Local News
Firefighters battling intense fire at Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Firefighters are actively responding to a major structure fire at the historic Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington, prompting road closures and a large emergency response Wednesday afternoon.
The Wilmington Fire Department confirmed that crews arrived on scene shortly after 1:40 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.
Firefighters remain engaged in suppression efforts as they work to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.
The Wilmington Police Department has temporarily closed sections of Market Street and Orange Street to allow first responders access to the scene and to ensure public safety.
No injuries have been reported at this time, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The Graystone Inn, a well-known landmark located in Wilmington’s historic district, has been closed since mid-2023 following a kitchen fire.
The property has been undergoing renovations and construction work during the closure.
This marks the second significant fire incident involving the building in less than two years.
Fire officials have not provided an estimated containment time or damage assessment, and investigators are expected to begin examining the cause once the fire is fully under control.
The incident remains active, and additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Local News
Cessna Aircraft Crashes Into Field During Takeoff Attempt in Batavia, Ohio; Instructor and Student Reportedly Uninjured
BATAVIA, Ohio (Clermont County) — A Cessna aircraft went down into a field after an unsuccessful takeoff attempt near Sporty’s Pilot Shop in Batavia, Ohio, according to preliminary incident information.
Both occupants, a flight instructor and a student pilot, reportedly escaped the incident without injuries.
The aircraft crash was reported near 2001 Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, in Clermont County. Initial information indicates that the Cessna failed to take off and went down into a nearby field.
Two people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. They were identified in the initial report as a flight instructor and a student pilot.
Both occupants reportedly exited the aircraft and were reported to be uninjured. According to the preliminary information, they were being transported back to Sporty’s Pilot Shop following the incident.
No injuries were reported in the information provided, although further official confirmation may be needed.
The incident occurred in the area of Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, a community in Clermont County, Ohio. The aircraft reportedly entered a field after failing to become airborne during its takeoff attempt.
Details about the aircraft’s condition, the precise circumstances of the failed takeoff and whether emergency crews or aviation investigators responded were not immediately available in the initial report.
The cause of the incident has not been established, and no additional information about possible damage to the aircraft was provided.
This is a developing story. Further details may become available as authorities confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident.