4 killed when sheriff’s office helicopter crashes in New Mexico

4 individuals had been killed Saturday when a helicopter for a New Mexico sheriff’s workplace crashed, authorities mentioned.

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In keeping with a information launch from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Workplace, a Metro 2 helicopter crashed close to Las Vegas, New Mexico. There have been three members of the sheriff’s workplace and one worker from the Bernalillo County Hearth Division on the plane when it crashed.

Jayme Fuller, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s workplace, advised the Albuquerque Journal that the helicopter was returning to Albuquerque after helping firefighters on the East Mesa Hearth.

“There are not any identified survivors,” Fuller mentioned. “Right now the investigation into this incident is in its preliminary levels. As we study additional particulars, we are going to present them by way of official press releases.”

The New Mexico State Police confirmed the crash round 12:15 a.m. MDT on Sunday.

The sheriff’s workplace has used its helicopters to supply aerial firefighting and different help throughout the state, KRQE-TV reported. Over the previous few days, the sheriff’s workplace has used the Metro 2 helicopter to struggle the Atalaya Fire close to Santa Fe and a small fireplace within the East Mountains close to Albuquerque, in accordance with the sheriff’s workplace.

Knowledge from FlightAware, a web-based flight monitoring instrument, indicated that the Metro 2 helicopter, N911SZ, final recorded a place round 2:32 p.m. MDT on Saturday “close to Las Vegas,” the tv station reported. The sheriff’s workplace additionally operates a second helicopter. It was not concerned in Saturday’s operations, in accordance with KRQE.

The sheriff’s workplace and the New Mexico State Police are investigating the incident, KOAT-TV reported. The Federal Aviation Administration and the Nationwide Transportation Security Board are additionally making ready to research the crash.

Early Sunday, Bernalillo County Commissioner Charlene Pyskoty tweeted, “I’m completely devastated. Holding family members in my coronary heart.”

In a press release, state Division of Public Security Cupboard Secretary Jason Bowie mentioned the 4 individuals who had been killed had been heroes.

“At this time, our hearts are damaged by the tragic and distressing information that we misplaced 4 of the state’s best public servants, killed within the line of obligation,” Bowie mentioned. “It’s a sacrifice nobody ought to need to make.”

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