Local News
Mayday Declared After Structural Collapse Traps Firefighters at Ischua House Fire
ISCHUA, NY – A mayday emergency was declared Friday evening after multiple firefighters became trapped when a house fire led to a structural collapse in the Town of Ischua, Cattaraugus County.
Emergency crews responded to a working structure fire at 400 Yankee Road, where a two-story wood-frame residence was engulfed in heavy flames.
Amid firefighting efforts, the roof collapsed, trapping multiple firefighters inside the burning structure.
Following the collapse, a mayday was declared, prompting an urgent rescue operation.
While most of the trapped firefighters have since been extricated, efforts are still underway to free at least one firefighter who remains trapped inside the structure.
A large-scale emergency response has been deployed, including seven ambulances dispatched to the scene to assist with potential injuries.
Additional resources have been requested to support extrication and fire suppression efforts.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the conditions of the firefighters involved.
The situation remains active, with crews working to ensure the safe rescue of all personnel and prevent further collapse hazards.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
DODGE COUNTY, NE — Authorities have identified the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on the Platte River late Friday evening.
In a statement released Saturday afternoon, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) confirmed the victims as 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, Kansas; 50-year-old Jeff Bittinger of Fremont, Nebraska; and 48-year-old Randy Amrein, also of Fremont.
The fatal crash occurred around 8:15 p.m. on Friday, when a small aircraft went down in the Platte River, just south of Fremont.
Multiple emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Sgt. Brie Frank with the DCSO stated that several agencies, including air and water rescue units, were involved in the coordinated response effort.
Airboats were deployed to navigate the river, and an Omaha Police Department helicopter provided aerial support to survey the crash site.
Assisting agencies included the Waterloo and Valley Fire Departments, the Nebraska State Patrol, and additional regional emergency services.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have assumed control of the investigation and will conduct a thorough analysis to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.
No further details have been released at this time.
Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area while recovery and investigative efforts continue.