GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — Emergency crews are currently responding to a serious aircraft crash near Cross Keys Airport, located at 1531 Tuckahoe Road in Williamstown. The crash, which occurred earlier this afternoon, has resulted in multiple casualties and prompted a large-scale response involving fire, EMS, hazmat, and air medical teams.
Mass Casualty Situation Confirmed
According to initial emergency dispatch reports, 13 individuals have been identified as patients at the scene of the crash. Among them:
- Five are in critical condition and have been classified as red-tag patients, requiring immediate, life-saving treatment.
- Three others are seriously injured but currently stable and categorized as yellow-tag patients.
- One person remains trapped inside the wreckage, with rescue crews working urgently to extricate them.
Triage efforts are ongoing as emergency personnel continue to assess and treat those affected.
Jet Fuel Spill Poses Additional Hazards
One of the immediate concerns at the crash site is the release of approximately 50 gallons of jet fuel, which has created both environmental and fire risks. Hazmat teams are on scene alongside local fire departments to contain and mitigate the potential hazards associated with the spill.
Specialized crews in protective gear are taking precautions to prevent any ignition of the fuel, as well as working to avoid contamination of surrounding land and water sources.
Medical Helicopters Deployed for Rapid Evacuation
Due to the severity of the injuries, five medical helicopters have been dispatched to the scene. These aircraft are currently transporting the most seriously injured patients to nearby trauma centers for urgent care. Ground ambulances are also assisting in the transport of less critical patients.
This swift airlift operation has been critical in improving survival outcomes for those in dire condition.
Residents Urged to Avoid the Area
Local authorities are asking the public to stay away from the area surrounding Cross Keys Airport and Tuckahoe Road to ensure first responders can operate without obstruction. The area remains an active emergency zone, and access is limited to emergency personnel only.
Road closures are in effect, and traffic diversions have been implemented to support medical transports and emergency operations.
About the Crash Site
Cross Keys Airport is a small general aviation facility commonly used for private aircraft, recreational flying, and flight instruction. While details remain limited, officials have not yet released information about the aircraft involved, the number of people onboard, or the circumstances leading up to the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to begin an official investigation shortly. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Emergency Response Underway
Rescue and medical operations continue to unfold at a fast pace as crews race against time to treat victims and secure the crash site. Officials have expressed concern not only for the well-being of those involved but also for the environmental implications of the fuel leak.
Local officials are expected to hold a press briefing once more information is confirmed. In the meantime, updates will be provided by official county emergency channels and local news outlets.
The public is strongly advised to avoid the area surrounding the crash site to allow emergency teams full access as they continue rescue, medical, and cleanup efforts.
This is a developing situation. More details will be shared as they become available.
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