NEED TO KNOW
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A medical helicopter carrying a pilot and two nurses crashed in Wilson County, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 8
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According to local reports, one person was killed in the incident and two others critically wounded
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The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash
One person is dead and two others are seriously injured after a medical helicopter crashed in Tennessee.
At around 2:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 8, a LifeFlight helicopter crashed near Cairo Bend Road in Wilson County, the local Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said in a news release shared on Facebook.
Deputies were assisted by multiple responding agencies at the scene of the incident, while motorists were instructed to avoid the area.
A pilot and two nurses were on board the LifeFlight helicopter owned by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center at the time of the crash, WSMV 4 Nashville reported.
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“Vanderbilt University Medical Center is deeply saddened to confirm that a Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter was involved in an accident this afternoon in Wilson County,” said a Vanderbilt spokesperson in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
“Tragically, one crew member lost their life, and two others are in critical condition and receiving care at Vanderbilt University Hospital,” they continued.
“Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with our Vanderbilt LifeFlight colleagues, their families, and loved ones during this difficult time,” the spokesperson concluded.
No patients were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
The LifeFlight helicopter is believed to have departed from Music City Executive Airport in Gallatin and was airborne for approximately eight minutes before it crashed, WZTV Nashville reported. The cause of the crash has not been determined at this time.
Wilson County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
Wilson County Sheriff police car
The Wilson County Firefighters Association Local 4238 said in a statement on Facebook, “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.”
It is not known if any people on the ground suffered injuries in the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash, per WSMV 4 Nashville.
PEOPLE has reached out to the WSCO for comment.
Read the original article on People
