Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, July 26, 2013
(COLUMBUS) - Two people have been injured after a small plane struck a house in Columbus, Indiana. The crash occurred just after the plane took off from the Columbus Municipal Airport.
/WTHI reports, one person was taken by LifeLine helicopter to Wishard Hospital after being taken to Columbus Regional Hospital. Another person was taken directly to Wishard. The victims have severe burns, cuts and abrasions.
Both of the injured were inside the plane. They were identified as Dennis King, who is in serious condition, and Gerald Clayton, also in serious condition. The plane is registered in Clayton's name, according to the FAA.
No injuries were reported from the home, which was destroyed.
Witnesses said the plane burst into flames on impact. They also say they heard the plane sputtering before the crash.
It happened around 9:30 am, prompting dozens of calls to 911. At 11 am, police had the scene is secure. They are now awaiting federal investigators.
First responders were able to keep the fire from significantly damaging surrounding homes, although they did sustain some damage.
The plane struck a house in the 2200 block of Broadmoor on the north side of the city. The house is south of Rocky Ford and east of Central Ave. about a mile south of the Columbus Municipal Airport. The weather is clear and sunny, with a temperature in the high 60s.
As of 10:30 am, the fire appeared to be under control, although some smoke was still coming from inside the home.
The impact destroyed the rear of the home and fire appears to have burned through much of the roof.
The plane was not visible from helicopter aerials. At this point it's believed that fire may have destroyed much of the aircraft.
Homeowner Hiroko Nakao was inside her home when the plane crashed and managed to escape unharmed. She was walking into the living room when she heard loud sounds. The plane struck the rear of the home, destroying the patio sun room and causing the home's windows to shatter.
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