Local News
Surveillance video captures the plane crash in Fort Worth, Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas — Authorities are investigating a deadly twin-engine plane crash that occurred Sunday afternoon north of Fort Worth, leaving two people dead, according to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash was reported in the 12700 block of North Saginaw Boulevard, near Avondale and just north of Hicks Airfield.
Emergency crews from Fort Worth, Haslet, and Saginaw fire departments responded to the scene after receiving multiple reports of a downed aircraft and a large fire.
Witnesses described a loud explosion followed by plumes of heavy black smoke billowing from the crash site.
One witness, an employee at a nearby café, said they heard “a loud boom,” and moments later, a customer ran inside urging them to call 911. When they rushed outside, they saw flames and smoke rising from the area where the plane had gone down.
According to initial reports, the aircraft struck multiple tractor-trailer trucks parked in a nearby lot, igniting a massive fire. Witnesses said they were unable to get close due to the intense heat and spreading flames.
The Fort Worth Fire Department later confirmed that two people were killed in the crash. Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the harrowing final moments of the aircraft before impact.
The video shows the plane descending rapidly before crashing and erupting into flames.
In response to the tragedy, a nearby business, Revive Wellness and Aesthetics, announced in a social media post that it would close for the day, citing safety concerns and respect for the victims.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this tragic incident, and we deeply appreciate the first responders for their quick action,” the post stated.
Authorities temporarily closed sections of North Saginaw Boulevard as first responders worked to extinguish the fire and secure the crash site.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
No additional details have been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.