An air ambulance crashed just before landing in Morelos, Mexico, on November 1, 2023, claiming the lives of all four people on board, including a doctor.
The accident happened at about 2:30 p.m. in a heavily wooded and mountainous area near Tetlama, Temixco, a town about 30 miles south of Mexico City. Officials from the armed forces and state security departments were dispatched to the crash site. Upon arrival, they were met with the sight of smoke billowing from the remnants of the wreckage.
The crash killed Dr. Lilian Resendiz, the pilot Gerardo Álvarez, the co-pilot Roberto Manzano, and paramedic Mario Leon.
The cause of the accident remains unknown at this time. The attorney general’s office has reportedly opened an investigation to determine the events leading up to the crash.
This latest crash marks yet another air ambulance accident in 2023. A similar incident occurred in Nevada earlier in the year. On February 25, 2023, an air ambulance crashed near Stagecoach, Nevada, killing all five individuals onboard.
Air ambulances are crucial in providing rapid medical assistance and transport, particularly in areas challenging for ground vehicles to access swiftly. Their operations often involve inherent risks, given the need to quickly respond to emergencies, sometimes in less-than-ideal weather conditions or challenging terrains. The exact circumstances surrounding the Morelos crash are yet to be unveiled.
While Mexico mourns the loss of the four who died, a thorough investigation into the exact cause and any contributing factors can pave the way for improved safety measures, ensuring that such incidents become less frequent.