SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. — Two flight crew members were killed on Sunday when a medical helicopter crashed in central Alabama, authorities said.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, one crew member was pronounced dead at the scene and another died at an area hospital. A third crew member was taken to a Birmingham hospital with injuries, WVTM-TV and WBRC-TV reported.
The sheriff’s office said that the crash occurred in Chelsea in the northeastern part of Shelby County, AL.com reported.
Medical helicopter crashes in Shelby County https://t.co/OH5o27xStx
— #WVTM13 (@WVTM13) April 2, 2023
Shelby County Deputy Clay Hammac said a LifeSaver medical helicopter crashed about a half-mile east of the Forest Lakes subdivision. at about 5:23 p.m. CDT, according to the news organization.
In a statement, LifeSaver said the helicopter crew from Sylacauga was responding to the call, WBMA-TV reported.
Hammac said there was a 911 call about a hiker who was experiencing a medical emergency, WIAT-TV reported. The deputy said a decision was made to transport the hiker by a LifeSaver helicopter, according to the television station.
The hiker was transported to a hospital, WIAT reported.
“It’s regrettable that we find ourselves here this evening,” Hammac said at a news conference.
The names of the victims have not been released.
Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer called the crew members heroes.
“This flight crew on LifeSaver, they’re heroes and so our hearts go out to the families of these two flight members and a heartfelt thanks to my heroes, Chelsea Fire and Rescue and the deputies that responded,” Pickelsimer said during the news conference. “Please remember these families that will be left behind and that have to deal with this tragic event.”
The investigation will be led by the National Transportation Safety Board, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the television station. The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency is also assisting in the investigation.
