Local News
Three Confirmed Dead in Small Aircraft Crash Near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County
FRANKLIN, N.C. (Macon County) — Authorities in Macon County confirmed that three people were killed Thursday afternoon when a small aircraft crashed near Iotla Valley Elementary School.
The incident occurred along Iotla Church Road, prompting road closures and a large emergency response.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office issued a public update reassuring parents and guardians that all students and staff at Iotla Valley Elementary School are safe.
The school is located next to Macon County Airport, and officials said the crash took place on a neighboring property, not on school grounds.
“Parents can be assured that children at Iotla Valley Elementary are safe following an airplane accident on the neighboring property,” the sheriff’s office stated in a social media post.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that it is leading the local investigation, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also been notified and is monitoring the situation.
Officials have not yet released details regarding the type of aircraft involved, the cause of the crash, or the identities of the deceased.
Emergency crews remain at the scene, and portions of Iotla Church Road are expected to stay closed as investigators work through the night.
Additional updates are expected once next-of-kin notifications are completed and federal authorities provide preliminary findings.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.