Medical aircraft crash kills 4 people and starts wildfire in New Mexico

A King Air medical transport crashed early Thursday morning and started a fire in New Mexico. The aircraft was en route to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SRR) from Roswell Air Center Airport (ROW) when communication and radar contact were lost, according to Lincoln County. Airport personnel and the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services were notified and later received additional reports on the missing aircraft and a fire that had broken out in the Capitan Mountain area. Emergency responders and local fire departments were dispatched to the scene and were able to locate the crashed aircraft. All four people inside had died. Lincoln County states the identities of the victims will not be released until all family notifications are complete. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident," said the statement. "We ask the public to respect their privacy and avoid the area so responders can continue their work safely." The fire caused by the crash was reportedly estimated to be less than 5 acres and was handled by the U.S. Forest Service and local responders. Air resources were also dispatched to support suppression efforts, according to the Forest Service. The cause is unknown and is being investigated.RELATED STORIES: Engine would not respond during Sen. Sheehy's emergency landing in Montana Close call between Delta flight and Cirrus SR22 while landing in NYC Twin-engine aircraft crashes in Texas with 5 pickleball players on board