A devastating plane crash in Fairview, Oregon, has resulted in the loss of three lives after a small aircraft collided with a row of townhomes on Saturday.
Initially, authorities reported that three individuals were missing, including two passengers on the plane and one resident of the townhome complex. However, it has since been confirmed that all three have lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time, just three minutes after the twin-engine Cessna 421C took off from Troutdale Airport in Multnomah County. The airport is primarily used for flight training and serves as a relief airport for Portland International Airport.
Footage posted on social media shows one of the townhomes engulfed in flames, with massive plumes of smoke billowing from the adjacent residence.
According to John Plock, a public information officer at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the plane initially struck a power pole, causing debris to scatter. The impact of the collision led to the plane crashing into the homes.
Plock explained that the plane’s collision with the power pole caused some of the aircraft’s pieces to break off, resulting in the devastating impact on the townhomes.
Scott Lewis, fire chief for the Gresham Fire Department, said the fire spread to four units and five families will likely be displaced.
The fire department added that the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
