Additional Coverage:
- At least 1 dead, 2 critical after Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter crash in Tennessee; NTSB investigating (foxnews.com)
Tragedy Strikes: Vanderbilt LifeFlight Helicopter Crashes in Lebanon, One Dead, Two Critically Injured
LEBANON, TN – A Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter crashed Saturday afternoon near Lebanon, Tennessee, resulting in the death of one crew member and leaving two others in critical condition. The Airbus EC130T2 helicopter, carrying three crew members but no patients, went down around 2:30 p.m.
University officials confirmed the details of the incident. The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.
The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with multiple agencies, responded to the scene on the 7100 block of Cairo Bend Road and urged motorists to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently.
“Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with our Vanderbilt LifeFlight colleagues, their families and loved ones during this difficult time,” a Vanderbilt spokesperson stated.
The identity of the deceased crew member has not yet been released.
Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., expressed his condolences on social media, asking the community to pray for those affected.
“Please join Amy and I in praying for those involved in the LifeFlight helicopter crash in Wilson County,” DesJarlais wrote. “Seek alternate routes to avoid the area so that Emergency Services personnel can continue to work.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office have not yet provided further comments.