ELKO, Nev., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Four people died when a medical transport airplane crashed in a parking lot in Elko, Nev., sparking multiple explosions and a fire on Friday night.
A heart patient being transported to the University of Utah and three crew members died when the Piper PA 31aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. It had just taken off from Elko Regional Airport, located some 300 miles north of Las Vegas, and crashed in the Barrick Gold Corp. parking lot
Air ambulance company American Medflight said the company was "devastated by this event and wish we had answers to the many questions being asked at this time. We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration as they investigate the accident."
Dr. Rodney Badger said his patient aboard the aircraft had coronary artery disease and was having chest pains and a rapid heartbeat about 5:30 p.m. The decision was made to transport him to Utah for medical care.
Witnesses reported hearing several explosions as firefighters were attempting to douse the flames. Several vehicles in the parking lot were destroyed, officials said.
