Mon, Aug 04, 2008
Four Confirmed Lost, Including Two Children; Third Still
Missing
Officials say at least four people
were killed when a Cessna 172 impacted a tree in the Oregon coastal
town of Gearhart Monday morning, and came down onto the roof of a
vacation rental home.
KATU-2 reports the plane's adult pilot and passenger were
presumed lost in the accident, though their bodies have not yet
been recovered. Additionally, the bodies of two children, believed
to have been in the home at the time of the crash, were discovered
in the wreckage.
The search continues for signs a third child may have survived.
A medevac helicopter transported a mother and two children from the
scene to a nearby hospital, and their conditions were unknown as of
Monday afternoon.
The 172 impacted the home at 398 N. Marion St at approximately
6:30 am Monday morning, according to news reports. Witnesses
reported an explosion about 20 seconds after the first impact, and
flames spread quickly to the home.
The aircraft, reportedly rented from Aviation Adventures in
nearby Seaside, had taken off a short time before from Seaside
Municipal Airport (56S).
"This is the biggest thing to have ever hit Gearhart," said City
Administrator Dennis McNally. "Such a tragedy. Everybody is
devastated."
Three adults, including the mother, and five children were
staying in the rental home for a family reunion. The other two
adults were out for a walk when the accident occurred.
Witnesses said the plane appeared to be having difficulties
flying in the dense fog along the coastline just before the
crash.
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