One person has died and two others remain in critical condition after a LifeFlight medical helicopter crashed in Tennessee.
According to a news release shared by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, the helicopter went down around 2:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 8, near Cairo Bend Road in Wilson County. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, and authorities urged motorists to avoid the area.
WSMV 4 Nashville reported that the aircraft, owned by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was carrying a pilot and two nurses at the time of the crash.
A spokesperson for Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirmed the tragic incident in a statement, noting, “Tragically, one crew member lost their life, and two others are in critical condition and receiving care at Vanderbilt University Hospital. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with our Vanderbilt LifeFlight colleagues, their families, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
No patients were on board when the aircraft crashed.
WZTV Nashville reported that the LifeFlight helicopter had departed from Music City Executive Airport in Gallatin and was airborne for roughly eight minutes before it went down. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Wilson County Firefighters Association Local 4238 said, “We mourn the loss of a dedicated LifeFlight crew member and pray for healing for those injured. Our thoughts are also with our brothers and sisters in the emergency medical community who serve with courage every day.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether any individuals on the ground were injured.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash, according to WSMV 4 Nashville.
