Local News
Victims killed in Bath Township plane crash identified
BATH TOWNSHIP, Mich. (Clinton County) — Authorities have confirmed that a private jet registered in Mexico crashed Thursday afternoon in Bath Township, Michigan, killing all three people on board.
The aircraft, a Hawker 800XP with Mexican registration XA-JMR, is reportedly owned by Aero Línea del Centro, S.A. de C.V., a company based in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and believed to be affiliated with the JM Romo Group.
According to initial flight data, the plane took off from Kalamazoo, Michigan, bound for Detroit, but within one minute of departure, it plummeted from an altitude of 14,825 feet, crashing violently into a wooded area along Clark Road between Peacock and Upton Roads in Bath Township.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a column of smoke visible for several miles.
Emergency responders from Bath Township Fire and Police, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police rushed to the scene, where they discovered the wreckage completely destroyed by impact and fire.
The medical examiner’s office serving Clinton County, identified the victims as Rodolfo Pimentel Zamora and Francisco Javier del Moral Jimenez, both pilots from Mexico City, and Alvaro Espejo Rodriguez, a mechanic from Veracruz.
Michigan State Police were the first to arrive at the crash site, quickly securing the area and coordinating with federal aviation authorities.
A police helicopter was observed circling the crash zone to assist ground units in recovery and scene management.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Preliminary data suggests a rapid and unexplained descent lasting approximately 30 seconds before impact.
Reports from Aguascalientes, Mexico, indicate that the crash has caused deep shock and sorrow within the local aviation and business communities.
The JM Romo Group, reportedly linked to the aircraft, has not issued an official statement.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The identities of the victims will be formally confirmed and released once next of kin have been notified.
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.