HARTFORD, IL — ARCH Air Medical Helicopter Crashes and Catches Fire During Nighttime Training Exercise

Certainly, here’s a detailed news-style report on the incident:

HARTFORD, IL — ARCH Air Medical Helicopter Crashes and Catches Fire During Nighttime Training Exercise

April 24, 2025 — Hartford, Illinois
A tragic accident unfolded Wednesday night in the quiet town of Hartford, Illinois, when an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crashed and burst into flames during a routine nighttime training exercise. The incident occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. near the vicinity of New Poag Road, sending shockwaves through the local community and drawing a swift response from emergency services.

According to initial reports from Madison County emergency officials, the helicopter — identified as an Airbus EC135 commonly used for medical transport — went down under unclear circumstances during a low-altitude maneuver. Witnesses in the area described hearing a loud noise, followed by a bright flash and a plume of black smoke rising from a nearby field. Several residents dialed 911 moments later.

First responders from multiple agencies, including Hartford Fire Department, Madison County EMS, and local law enforcement, arrived on scene within minutes. Upon arrival, the wreckage was fully engulfed in flames. Fire crews quickly contained the blaze and began recovery operations.

At the time of the crash, three crew members were reportedly on board, including a pilot and two medical personnel. As of Thursday morning, authorities confirmed that all three individuals were taken to nearby hospitals. The extent of their injuries has not yet been officially released, though sources indicate that at least one crew member is in critical condition.

ARCH Air Medical, which operates air ambulance services throughout the Midwest, issued a brief statement late Wednesday night, expressing deep concern over the incident.
“Our thoughts are with our crew members and their families during this difficult time,” the statement read. “Safety is at the core of everything we do, and we are working closely with investigators to determine the cause of this accident.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation into the crash. Investigators are expected to examine flight data records, maintenance logs, and communication with air traffic control, among other factors.

The helicopter had reportedly taken off from ARCH’s base in nearby St. Louis for a routine training flight intended to simulate nighttime emergency responses. Such exercises are standard for medical aviation crews, who must maintain certification and preparedness for a range of complex scenarios.

Local authorities have asked the public to avoid the crash site while investigators secure the area and conduct a detailed analysis. Roads in the immediate vicinity remain closed, and officials are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Meanwhile, residents of Hartford, a small town with a population of just under 1,500, are rallying in support of the affected families. A local church announced plans to hold a candlelight vigil this Friday evening, and several community members have already begun organizing donation efforts online.

This is not the first serious incident involving a medical helicopter in Illinois in recent years, reigniting concerns about the safety of air ambulance operations, particularly during nighttime and adverse weather conditions. However, ARCH Air Medical maintains one of the highest safety records in the industry, making Wednesday night’s crash especially shocking.

As the investigation continues, questions remain unanswered about what led to the tragic event. Until then, the Hartford community and the broader emergency medical services network wait anxiously for clarity — and for the recovery of the brave individuals who dedicate their lives to saving others.

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