Three people are dead after a plane fell apart mid-air and crashed in Franklin, Tennessee.
Yesterday, May 15, a single-engine Beechcraft V35 broke apart while still in the air before crashing in Tennessee. All three passengers unfortunately passed away.
Williamson County Fire/Rescue posted a statement on Facebook.
“A small plane crashed in the area of Bending Chestnut Road and Davis Hollow Road just after noon on May 15th,” the post read. “A unified command has been established by Williamson County Fire/Rescue, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Franklin Fire, Williamson County Emergency Management Agency, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and Williamson Health EMS. Please avoid this area at this time.”
This led to several road closures in the region.
“If you live in the area and find debris on your property, please contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 615-790-5550,” the statement concluded. “A media staging area has been established at the intersection of Bending Chestnut Road and Natchez Trace Parkway.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the incident, with the NTSB providing updates.
Three People Are Dead After Tennessee Plane Crash
According to PEOPLE, who spoke with the NTSB, the plane “crashed after experiencing an in-flight break up over a half mile radius.”
Additionally, ABC News reported that Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mark Elrod gave a press briefing Wednesday evening and labeled the accident “a tragic scene” with a “rather large” debris field.
“We’re unsure exactly where the crash started and where it ended,” Elrod said. However, while many people reported debris in their yards or lawns, there was thankfully no property damage.
Williamson County Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Jill Burgin also spoke on the matter (per Associated Press). Burgin revealed that the agency received a 911 call shortly after noon on Wednesday.
“He just said a possible plane crash, but he didn’t have a lot of details,” she explained. “He just heard a sound and saw debris so that’s all the information he gave.”
Furthermore, PEOPLE obtained a statement by Williamson County Emergency Management Agency director Todd Horton.
“The Williamson County Emergency Management Agency, working as part of unified command with WCSO and WCFR, assisted with search efforts, media requests, and coordination after the tragic reports of a plane crash,” Horton said. “Our hearts go out to the family members of the victims. Further comments will be released by, or in coordination with NTSB officials as appropriate.”