Two confirmed dead in plane crash in Duette; wildfire ignited by impact
Two people have been killed after a plane crashed Saturday afternoon in eastern Manatee County, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
At about 1:30 p.m., deputies were called to a report of a plane crash near State Road 37, just north of State Road 62.
Getting up close look at wildfire. https://t.co/BjexNLxnvZ
— Jessica De Leon (@JDeleon1012) March 4, 2017
“The plane is badly damaged, and at this time it’s unknown how many passengers were on the twin-engine plane,” spokesman Dave Bristow said.
Witness to . https://t.co/3mwXtLvdIO
— Jessica De Leon (@JDeleon1012) March 4, 2017
The National Transportation Safety Board will be leading the investigation and federal investigators were en route to the scene, Bristow told the Herald.
As a result of the plane crash, a wildfire ignited in the area, and S.R. 37 near S.R. 62, is closed.
Check back for additional coverage.
Jessica De Leon: 941-745-7049, @JDeLeon1012
This story was originally published March 4, 2017 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Two confirmed dead in plane crash in Duette; wildfire ignited by impact."