Small plane crashes in Florida: four people hospitalized, including two minors
After impact, the small plane hit a tree, but the pilot and three passengers managed to get out on their own before being helped
A small plane with four people on board, including two minors, crashed Sunday night in a Pembroke Pines neighborhood, in Broward County, Florida, less than a mile from the North Perry Airport from which it had originated.
The incident occurred near SW 14th Street and SW 68th Boulevard. According to authorities, the plane hit a tree after impact, but fortunately the pilot and three passengers were able to get out on their own before needing help.
Among the injured were two girls, ages 16 and 13. One was declared a level 1 trauma patient, and the other, along with the other occupants, was classified as level 2 trauma. All were transported to local hospitals, including Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Pembroke Pines police later confirmed they only had minor injuries.
Neighbors assisted the family
Witnesses described dramatic scenes after the accident. Resident Eddy Crispin said he and other neighbors smashed the plane's windows with an axe to rescue the occupants. "We pulled the father out first, then the two daughters poked their heads out, and we had to break open the lower half of the cabin because the mother was trapped underneath. Another neighbor had a fire extinguisher trying to put out the fire, and another used a hose to cool the plane," he told Telemundo 51. Other residents reported hearing a loud bang, followed by rising smoke. "It sounded like a semi-trailer truck had overturned," Tanielle Dacosta said. Concerns grow for airport safety. "Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo arrived at the scene and didn't hide his frustration. He noted that there have been more than 35 plane crashes involving the North Perry Airport in the past five years. "We've run out of patience. This community wants to feel safe," he said, according to CBS News. Castillo called on the Broward County Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the airport's safety conditions.
Ongoing Investigation
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Cessna T337G was coming from the Turks and Caicos Islands and was on approach to North Perry when, for reasons still unknown, it crashed to the ground.
While the investigation continues, SW 14th Street remains closed between SW 69 Avenue and SW 68 Boulevard to facilitate emergency and forensic work.