Two children were killed and two adults were critically injured when a single-engine plane crashed near the San Joaquin River in Fresno, California, on Saturday. The aircraft went down just before 2 p.m. PDT near the Sierra Sky Park Airport.
Emergency responders extinguished flames from the crash. The Fresno Fire Department reported that the plane crashed off a cliff near the airport runway. It is currently unknown if the plane was arriving or departing at the time of the incident. The sheriff's office stated that firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes.
Four victims were on board the Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-5 airplane, a four-seat, single-engine aircraft. Two children were pronounced dead at the scene. The two adult survivors were transported to a local hospital and remain in critical condition. Their identities, ages, and relationships are not yet known. The sheriff's office has established a safety perimeter around the crash site.
Power was briefly interrupted for nearby residences but has since been restored. The National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed it is investigating the crash.
Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi described the incident as a "rare and tragic situation." He expressed concern for the survivors and stated that his office would offer assistance to those impacted when appropriate. He also thanked first responders and asked the community to keep the affected family in their thoughts.
The crash occurred near the Sierra Sky Park neighborhood, which is recognized as the world's first aviation community. The privately owned airport is central to the neighborhood, with houses built along the runway and featuring aircraft hangars instead of garages.