Local News
Video shows moments plane crashes onto highway in Victoria, Texas
A dramatic plane crash unfolded in Victoria, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon when a small aircraft struck at least three vehicles while descending onto a busy highway. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m.
The crash happened at the intersection of Zac Lentz Parkway and Mockingbird Lane.
Victoria police were dispatched immediately following reports of the accident. Initial footage from the scene captured the moment the plane collided with three vehicles on the highway, causing significant damage.
At this time, authorities have not confirmed the number or severity of injuries sustained by the occupants of the vehicles or the plane. Emergency response teams were on-site assessing the situation and providing medical assistance.
The intersection of Zac Lentz Parkway and Mockingbird Lane has been closed indefinitely as investigators examine the crash site. Traffic in the area is being diverted to alleviate congestion caused by the closure.
The timing of the crash coincided with the release of students from Victoria East High School, located nearby. Parents were notified that school pickup might be delayed due to the diverted traffic.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash or whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors contributed to the incident.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to join the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The crash has prompted significant concern among local residents, particularly given its proximity to a busy school zone. Police have urged motorists to avoid the area and follow detours until further notice.
As details continue to emerge, officials will provide updates on the condition of those involved and the ongoing investigation into the crash.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when a house fire claimed the lives of four family members in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Officials say the blaze broke out inside a one-story wood-frame home on East Third Street shortly before 1:40 a.m.
According to the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, one resident, identified as Kathy Shippy, managed to escape the burning home and ran across the street to alert a neighbor and call 911.
Surveillance footage from the neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the home already fully engulfed in flames by the time the call was made.
Coroner Dennis Fowler identified the victims as:
- Willie Morris, 38
- Dakeyia Shippy, 25
- Mason Issac, 4
- Jerekry McGill, 7 months
All were residents of the home and relatives of the survivor.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire began after Morris attempted to refuel a kerosene heater inside the home, which caused the blaze to ignite suddenly and spread rapidly.
“All four victims were found on the floor of the kitchen at the rear of the house and appeared to have been trying to escape through a window when they were overcome by smoke,” the coroner’s office reported.
Autopsies are scheduled to determine the precise causes of death and assist investigators in confirming the fire’s origin.
Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano urged the public to use extreme caution when operating space or kerosene heaters.
“Never attempt to refuel a heater indoors or while it is still hot,” Chief Caggiano said, emphasizing fire safety during colder months.
The incident remains under joint investigation by the Gaffney Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities described the loss as “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family and community members affected by the tragedy.