A tragic plane crash occurred in a mobile home park in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, resulting in the loss of two lives and setting two trailers ablaze, according to authorities. The incident took place at West Acres Trailer Park, where the aircraft went down.
Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue confirmed that the pilot and a passenger were among the deceased. The victims were identified as 67-year-old Dan Dunn and 42-year-old Jessica Pauline Melton from the Colorado Front Range. The community expressed condolences to their families and friends.
In response to the crash, ten firefighters and off-duty personnel worked together to put out the fires at two homes and several outbuildings. Additionally, the scene of the downed aircraft was secured to facilitate the investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a twin-engine Cessna 421 crashed into the mobile home park around 4:30 p.m. while approaching Steamboat Springs Airport/Bob Adams Field. The plane was believed to be traveling from Longmont, Colorado, to Ogden, Utah.
Authorities urged the public to avoid the area to allow first responders to carry out their duties effectively. Steamboat Springs police set up a call line for residents and family members impacted by the crash, ensuring that all individuals in the mobile park were safe and accounted for.
Residents affected by the tragedy were offered assistance at the Community Room in the Combined Law Enforcement Facility, with support from the Red Cross and Routt County Crisis Support. At least two mobile homes were damaged in the crash, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting investigations into the crash to determine the factors contributing to the tragic event. The city of Steamboat Springs, located in north central Colorado, is approximately a three-hour drive from Denver.
As the community mourns the loss of lives and assesses the aftermath of the plane crash, authorities continue to provide support and resources to those affected. The collaborative efforts of first responders and support organizations highlight the importance of coming together in times of crisis to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved.