Authorities on the scene of a fatal plane crash in Afton, Minnesota. (FOX 9)
AFTON, Minn. (FOX 9) –
Two men were killed after a small plane crashed near a house in Afton on Saturday, according to officials.
The crash happened in a residential area on the 15000 block of Afton Hills Drive South. Washington County officials say dispatch started receiving calls around 9:43 a.m. reporting a possible explosion.
In-flight Tragedy: A Plane Crash Claims Two Lives in Afton, Minnesota
The tranquil town of Afton, Minnesota, was struck by a tragic incident on Saturday as a small plane crashed near a residential area, resulting in the loss of two lives. The victims have been identified as an 85-year-old resident from White Bear Lake and a 65-year-old resident from Baytown Township. Officials confirmed the devastating accident and provided some initial details.
A Devastating Incident
At around 9:43 a.m., the Washington County dispatch received distress calls reporting a possible explosion in the area. Emergence authorities swiftly responded, only to find a small airplane in flames near a residential home. Eyewitnesses described the distressing moments as they witnessed the tragic crash unfold.
Lisa, a neighbor who watched the incident, recalled, “It did sound like the engine was maybe kind of stalling out, kind of coming and going, like they were trying to put the gas on or something, and then it just kind of completely stopped. When I looked outside of our house, I actually saw a plane in the sky, going straight down. And then a big cloud of black smoke along with the loud crash sound.”
The Aftermath
The ill-fated plane had just taken off from Lake Elmo Airport before the crash occurred. Unfortunately, by the time neighbors reached the site, the aircraft was fully engulfed in flames. Lisa described the grim scene, saying, “It was just a lot of black smoke that went straight up within seconds of hearing the crash. It kind of exploded.”
Fortunately, the nearby house escaped significant damage, with only mild smoke damage noticed on the corner of the garage. The family inside the home at the time of the crash were spared any injuries. Authorities mentioned that the homeowners were present during the incident and were able to hear some of the unsettling noises, but the integrity of their property remained intact.
Investigation and Unanswered Questions
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the accident, focusing on the factors that led to the plane crash. At this time, officials have not disclosed any information regarding the cause of the tragic incident. It remains an evolving and ongoing investigation. Updates will be provided as new details emerge.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
