Major accident in Colorado, US, three killed in plane crash

Los Angeles (The Uttam Hindu): At least three people lost their lives after a plane crashed in Colorado’s Steamboat Springs, according to an initial report by the Federal Aviation Administration. The National Transportation Safety Board said on X that it has begun investigating the incident.

The crash involved an Epic Aircraft E-1000, a single-engine, six-seat light turboprop aircraft. The accident occurred on Friday at around 12:20 a.m. local time near Emerald Mountain. The exact cause of the crash is not yet known.

Identification of victims underway

Route County Sheriff Doug Scherar said efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased and inform their families.

Separate crash in North Carolina kills seven

In another incident, a small jet crashed in North Carolina’s Statesville, killing seven people. Police said the crash occurred at a regional airport.

NASCAR driver among the victims, police say

According to police, those killed in the crash included former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and their two children. The FAA said a Cessna C-550 jet crashed while attempting to land at around 10:20 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday and caught fire.

Airport closed, investigation continues

Flight-tracking website FlightAware reported that the aircraft took off shortly after 10 a.m. but later attempted to return to the airport. Videos showed rescue teams rushing toward the runway as wreckage burned.

Statesville Regional Airport manager John Ferguson said the FAA has taken charge of the crash site and the airport will remain closed until further notice. Clearing debris and restoring runway safety is expected to take time.