2 killed in helicopter crash

MEGAN GRAY

The Ellis County Press

          MIDLOTHIAN – Two CareFlite crew members were instantly killed upon impact when their helicopter burst into flames near Wyatt Road and Highway 67 in Midlothian Wednesday, June 2 around 2 p.m.

          According to reports, the Bell 222 helicopter lost its rotor and engulfed the two in flames, also igniting a grass fire nearly an acre wide, after taking off from the company’s Grand Prairie based hanger for a post maintenance flight.

          CareFlight representatives aren’t releasing the names of the victims killed pending notification of their relatives, but, they did confirm one was a pilot and the other was a mechanic.

          “We ask that you keep the families of those killed and of all first responders in your prayers," stated President of CareFlight Jim Schwartz in a prepared statement issued to the media.

          The Federal Aviation Administration and The National Transportation Board are currently investigating the exact cause of the crash.