4 people dead after medical transport plane crashes in northeastern Arizona

PHOENIX — Four people are dead after a medical transport plane crashed then caught on fire near an airport in northeastern Arizona on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

The plane, a small dual engine aircraft, was on its way to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital when the crash occurred near Chinle Municipal Airport around 12:40 p.m., according to the Navajo Police Department.

Navajo police did not release the identities of the four deceased, but noted that none of them were locals.

According to police, the next of kin notifications were made by the aircraft company CSI Aviation — which is based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What caused the medical transport plane to crash?

The cause of the crash is currently unknown.

The National Traffic Safety Bureau and Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

“This is a tragic loss to the families of those onboard and to the medical air and first responder community,” the Navajo Police Department said in a Facebook post. “We extend our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones during this time.”

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