Plane Crash on Interstate 75: Two Dead, Three Injured

Tragic Accident

Two people lost their lives on Friday afternoon as a small plane crashed on Interstate 75 near Naples, Florida. The plane, which was carrying five people, collided with a vehicle during the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the number of passengers on board the Bombardier Challenger 600.

The Unfortunate Chain of Events

The plane took off from The Ohio State University Airport and was scheduled to land at Naples Airport before heading to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. However, tragedy struck at approximately 3:15 p.m. as the plane came down on the southbound lanes of Interstate 75. The crash occurred just moments after the pilot reported an emergency to air traffic controllers.

Survivors and Casualties

According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, two individuals lost their lives in the crash. However, there were also three survivors, the spokesperson for the Naples Airport Authority, Robin King, confirmed. The conditions of the survivors remain unknown at this time.

A Witness Account

Brianna Walker, a witness to the incident, described the plane’s approach and impact. She was driving on I-75 when the plane suddenly appeared from behind, clipping the top of a pickup truck in front of her. The plane scraped the highway for about 30 feet before crashing into a concrete wall and bursting into flames. Walker recounted the shock and likened the scene to a movie.

Explosion and Aftermath

Shortly after the crash, an explosion occurred, engulfing the already burning plane in fire and thick, black smoke. Good Samaritans on the scene attempted to help, but were compelled to flee after the explosion.

Last Moments and Investigation

Before the plane crashed, the pilot radioed in to air traffic controllers, reporting a loss of both engines and the need for an emergency landing. Despite the controller’s clearance to land, the plane ultimately failed to reach the runway. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash.

This report includes contributions from Jeremy Ryan and Jillian Sykes.