Three are confirmed dead after a small plane crashed into a row of townhouses in Oregon on Saturday, officials said. Two people aboard the twin-engine Cessna, said local authorities, were killed, along with a resident of one of the homes that the plane struck. Authorities said multiple units were set ablaze by the crash, sending several families scattering and others to the hospital.
The plane crashed in Fairview. The incident is located about 11 miles east of Portland, close to the Troutdale Airport. The United States Federal Aviation Administration is already working on an investigation involving the National Transportation Safety Board. The officials said the crash occurred at around 10:30 AM PST on Saturday.
“At some point during the crash, the plane hit a power pole or tower, causing it to fall over,” Deputy Sheriff John Plock said. He added that the plane then “crashed into a building of townhomes, and that structure also caught fire.”
The emergency came quickly, but the responders at the scene were not successful in saving the occupants of the plane. All three were confirmed dead, although their identities are yet to be released because of the uncertainty and pending notification of their families. No one on the ground was injured, but several families have been displaced from the accident, which has left them dazed and puzzled at the sudden tragedy.
The NTSB and FAA are still investigating to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings indicate that weather may have been a causative factor since the area experienced gusty winds and an overcast sky during the incident. Other possible causes aside from weather are yet to be ruled out. These include mechanical failure or some pilot error.
Eyewitness accounts described the scene as one of utter bedlam and tragedy. “It all came so quickly,” said a local who did not wish to be named. “We had heard this dreadful noise, and then we see smoke and flames. It’s just really surreal.”
The local authorities were working relentlessly to assist the families of the victims. There was provision by the Red Cross for a temporary shelter for those displaced; the counsellors have also been present, ready to help those shaken by this event. It isn’t only the professionals who are helping but the community itself, as local businesses and volunteers all lend a hand.
Air Crash
This close-knit community of Fairview has been left reeling by the tragedy, and organizers are planning memorial services to pay respects and provide closure for the families. The residents were stunned by the news and have given each other much time to mourn as they try to pick up the pieces of this rather devastating incident.
Investigators are seeking anyone who may know details about this flight or what occurred in the days leading up to the accident. The NTSB and FAA vow to leave no stone unturned in order to uncover the truth that will happen to prevent this from occurring again in the future.
For now, Fairview needs to weep over the loss of three lives while rebuilding from this devastating incident. The strength of the community stands reflected as it goes through this ordeal with much pain while showing a sense of hope and reconstruction.
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