“As an air medical family, we are mourning the loss of our crewmembers and patient,” said the statement from John Burruel, president and CEO of Nevada-based American Medflight Inc. "Their families have been notified and they are in our thoughts and prayers. Our priority at this time is to look after the well being of the affected family members and their co-workers and to be responsive to their needs.”

Badger said his patient suffered from coronary artery disease and was experiencing chest pains and rapid heartbeat around 5:30 p.m., after which the decision was made to transport him to Utah.

Emergency crews were called around 7:30 p.m. and began blocking traffic from the highway and side streets.

Witnesses in the Smith’s shopping mall described a loud bang and felt the explosion as far away as Starbucks. Smoke could be seen from Smith’s parking lot.

Loud explosions were followed by a series of smaller ones as firefighters sprayed water on the flames and called in foam trucks.

The crash occurred on the northeast side of the parking lot, which is next to Hampton Inn, Smith’s Food & Drug, Gold Dust West casino, and an apartment complex for senior and disabled residents.