PORTLAND, Ore. — Tragedy struck Saturday morning as a small plane crashed into a row of townhouses in Fairview, east of Portland, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and igniting a significant fire, according to authorities.
Initial reports indicated that the aircraft was carrying two passengers, and at least one resident remains unaccounted for following the incident.
Images from the scene depict townhomes engulfed in flames, with dark smoke billowing from adjacent houses. Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis confirmed that the fire spread to four homes, displacing as many as six families. Two individuals received treatment on-site, although details regarding the nature and extent of their injuries were not disclosed.
The Federal Aviation Administration has identified the downed aircraft as a twin-engine Cessna 421C, which crashed around 10:30 a.m. near Troutdale Airport, located approximately 30 minutes east of Portland.
During the crash, the plane knocked over a pole and power lines, leading to a secondary brush fire in a nearby field, as reported by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Eyewitness accounts noted that the plane fragmented upon impact in the residential area, home to around 10,000 residents.
Chief Lewis revealed that the initial alert about the fire originated from Troutdale Airport’s control tower, which observed a thick plume of smoke rising. Notably, there were no distress signals or emergency calls from the aircraft prior to the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board has commenced an investigation, dispatching two investigators to examine the wreckage and gather further information about the tragic event.
Troutdale Airport is noted for its role in flight training and recreation, highlighting the ongoing importance of aviation safety in the region.
