Driver in crash with MCAS vehicle airlifted

The driver of a car that struck a military emergency vehicle responding to Thursday's Harrier crash has been airlifted to a Phoenix hospital, where he is listed in critical condition. The injured driver has been identified as Jose Luis Torres, 20, of Yuma, according to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office.

He was driving a 2007 Dodge 4-door passenger car eastbound on County 15th Street when he failed to yield to the MCAS fire emergency vehicle that was southbound on Avenue 3E, according to YCSO. At the time of the accident, which occurred at about 3:37 p.m. Thursday, the MCAS emergency vehicle was responding to the Harrier crash with lights and sirens activated.

The MCAS vehicle was struck on the passenger side by the Dodge. The MCAS vehicle operator, Chad H. Ross, 24, and his passenger were uninjured.

Torres was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center. He was later air lifted to Good Samaritan Hospital and is listed in critical condition, YCSO reported Friday morning.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation. However, alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor in the collision, according to YCSO.

The Harrier jet crashed on the Barry M. Goldwater Range southeast of Yuma on Thursday afternoon during a routine training exercise.

Both pilots of the jet, which is assigned to MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., ejected safely. The pilots were transported to YRMC, where they were both listed in "good condition" as of 6 p.m. Thursday, said Gunnery Sgt. Bill Lisbon of the MCAS public affairs office. They have not been identified yet.