Multiple individuals tragically lost their lives on Monday when a single-engine plane crashed near an interstate highway in Nashville, Tennessee, according to authorities.
The pilot initiated an emergency call to John C. Tune Airport around 7:40 p.m., citing engine trouble, and was granted clearance for an emergency landing, stated Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron. However, shortly after, the pilot communicated that the aircraft would not reach the airport.
The plane erupted into flames upon crashing in a grassy median just off Interstate 40, situated behind a Costco on the city’s west side. The crash site was approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) south of the general aviation airport.
Don Aaron mentioned, “It appears that everyone on board perished.” The precise number of victims remained unknown at the time of reporting, and authorities were actively working to determine the plane’s origin.
Fortunately, no drivers on the interstate sustained injuries, according to Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney. Moreover, there was no reported damage to vehicles or buildings on the ground.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will conduct investigations into the incident.
This tragedy unfolded roughly four weeks after the fatal helicopter crash involving Herbert Wigwe, the late Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, his wife, and others. Witnesses in vehicles observed the aircraft as a “fireball” before it crashed.
The helicopter, an Airbus Helicopters EC 130B4 with registration number N130CZ, had carried Wigwe, his wife, son, and the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo. The crash occurred near Halloran Springs, California, on February 9, claiming the lives of all six people on board, including the pilot and co-pilot.