Four Killed in Medical Transport Plane Crash on Navajo Nation

By Cherokee 411 Staff
(Source: Associated Press)

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Four people were killed Tuesday when a medical transport plane crashed near Chinle Airport on the Navajo Nation, according to the Associated Press.

Authorities said the twin-engine aircraft went down around 8 a.m. while en route to pick up a patient from the Indian Health Service hospital in Chinle. On board were two pilots and two medical crew members. All four died at the scene.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren called the loss “heartbreaking,” noting the crew’s dedication to providing lifesaving care to remote communities. “These individuals were on their way to help one of our own,” Nygren said. “Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

The crash site is in a rugged area near the airport. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have been dispatched to determine the cause of the accident.

The victims’ names have not yet been released pending notification of families.

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Cherokee 411 is committed to delivering Real, Relevant, and Unfiltered coverage of issues impacting Native communities. This article contains information reported by the Associated Press.