A plane crashed in a remote, mountainous area west of Manchester, Vermont, on Wednesday, leaving at least three people injured as emergency crews faced harsh conditions while attempting to reach the wreckage.
The crash occurred near Equinox Mountain, about 20 minutes from Manchester and an hour from Albany, New York. Manchester Town Manager Scott Murphy confirmed the injuries, according to VT Digger.
Icy and snowy conditions have complicated the rescue mission, making it difficult for crews to access the crash site. Helicopters were deployed to the area, and paramedics prepared to be lowered to assess victims, Fox Weather reported.
The Rutland City Fire Department received a request for technical rescue support to assist in recovering the crash victims. Meanwhile, a Vermont State Police spokesperson told VT Digger that the agency is “aware of the report” but is not yet involved in the response, with Manchester Police leading efforts on the ground.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft departed Baltimore around 6 a.m. before its signal stopped west of Manchester at approximately 8:30 a.m. Further details about the crash, including the cause and type of aircraft, have yet to be confirmed.
The Vermont crash comes amid a series of high-profile aviation incidents that have raised concerns among travelers.
In January, a collision between a military helicopter and an American Airlines plane resulted in the deaths of 67 passengers and crew members. Footage captured the moment a Black Hawk helicopter struck the aircraft, sending both into the water.
More recently, on February 25, a Southwest Airlines flight narrowly avoided a collision with a private jet at Chicago Midway Airport. Video footage showed the moment the Boeing 737-800 was forced to pull up abruptly to avoid a Bombardier Challenger 350 that entered the runway without clearance.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the private jet was at fault, stating, “The crew of Southwest Airlines Flight 2504 initiated a go-around when a business jet entered the runway without authorization.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) classified the event as a “runway incursion” and has launched an investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate the Vermont crash as emergency responders work to locate and assist survivors.
