Emergency Med-Helicopter Crashes in Hartford, Illinois
A medical helicopter from ARCH Air Medical Transport went down on Thursday evening in Hartford, Illinois. All three crew aboard were injured, and the crash sparked a fire near the scene.
Helicopter Clips Tree Limb During Training Flight
The crash happened at around 9pm as the chopper tried to take off from an empty lot on North Delmar Avenue, right opposite the Hartford Fire Department. Witnesses say the aircraft struck a tree limb about 50 feet up during a training exercise, sending it spiralling to the ground.
Firefighters Respond to Blaze Amid Fuel Smell
The impact ignited a fire, quickly drawing firefighters from Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River. A strong fuel smell hung over downtown Hartford after the crash, heightening the drama.
Injured Airlifted and Ambulanced to Hospital
- One victim was flown out by a second ARCH medical helicopter.
- Two others were rushed to hospital by ambulance.
- Injury conditions remain undisclosed as of Thursday night.
Neither ARCH Air Medical Services nor the Hartford Fire Department have released official statements yet. Authorities are investigating the crash’s cause.
