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.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Emergency crews responded to the Aurora Theatre at 673 Main Street in the Village of East Aurora on Sunday following a ceiling collapse inside the historic building while students and chaperones were present.
Officials said construction activity inside the two-story brick structure led to a portion of the ceiling giving way during a scheduled event.
At the time of the incident, approximately 68 students and adult chaperones were inside the theater.
First responders confirmed there was no entrapment and the collapse was limited in scope.
Emergency Medical Services evaluated six pediatric patients for minor injuries at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.
Fire and safety officials secured the area and conducted a structural assessment to ensure the remainder of the building was safe.
Authorities said the incident remains under review, including the circumstances surrounding the construction work that preceded the collapse.
Further information will be released as the investigation continues.