A tragic helicopter crash in Mississippi on Monday claimed the lives of a pilot and two hospital workers, officials confirmed. The chopper was en route back to Columbus after transporting a patient when it went down in Madison County at about 5:30pm (12:30 pm local time) with no survivors, announced Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

"The entire Medical Center family is heartbroken over this," she expressed during a press briefing. Marking its first accident in nearly three decades, the AirCare emergency service has been operating without incident until now, the university stated.

While the cause of the crash remains unclear, investigations are underway by the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies. Although the victims' names have not been publicly disclosed out of respect for their privacy, their families have been informed of the tragedy.

Law enforcement blocks the Natchez Trace Parkway just north of the Mississippi 43 exit after an AirCare medical helicopter crashed
Law enforcement blocks the Natchez Trace Parkway just north of the Mississippi 43 exit after an AirCare medical helicopter crashed (
Image:
Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves paid tribute to the fallen heroes on Facebook, saying, "It's a tragic reminder of the risks Mississippi's first responders take every day to keep us safe," and adding, "Our state will never forget the sacrifice of these heroes."

This incident occurred just hours after reports emerged of multiple injuries resulting from a plane crash in a residential area near a retirement community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, reports the Mirror US.

The aircraft tragically crashed on Sunday afternoon in the car park of the Brethren Village Retirement community in Manheim Township. It's been reported that Aircraft N347M took off from Lancaster Airport at 3:15 pm (local time) and quickly plummeted for reasons yet to be determined.

This image taken from video provided by WAPT shows first responders working the scene after a medical transport helicopter crashed
This image taken from video provided by WAPT shows first responders working the scene after a medical transport helicopter crashed (
Image:
AP)

President Donald Trump has faced criticism for a series of high-profile plane crashes that have happened since he took office, following cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration, key safety programmes and a freeze on air traffic control hiring. However, when questioned about the latest crash, he sidestepped responsibility, stating it would have occurred regardless of crew size.