Local News
3 dead after a small plane crashes into a residential area in Oregon
A tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning when a small plane crashed into a residential area near the Troutdale Airport. The crash resulted in the deaths of three people, including the two occupants of the aircraft.
The twin-engine Cessna 421C, which was carrying two individuals, went down around 10:30 a.m. in the Fairview neighborhood, located approximately 11 miles east of Portland. The plane struck a set of power transmission lines before crashing into a row of townhomes, setting multiple units on fire.
Gresham fire officials have confirmed that at least three people lost their lives in the plane crash that occurred on Saturday morning. While they cannot provide specific details about the identities of the victims, it is believed that the two occupants of the plane and at least one townhome resident perished in the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration previously reported that there were two individuals on board the aircraft. Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis has stated that one townhome resident is currently unaccounted for. In addition to the fatalities, multiple injuries have been reported. Both Chief Lewis and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy John Plock have confirmed the presence of injuries, but the exact number of injured people and the severity of their injuries remain unknown at this time.
The plane crash in Troutdale left a significant debris field, according to Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy John Plock. The crash site was divided into two main areas, as some parts of the plane apparently broke off after it struck the power equipment.
The incident occurred near a power transmission line, and footage from the scene shows that multiple wires were knocked off one of the transmission towers. Some of these wires landed in a nearby field, igniting a brush fire. However, the fire was contained and did not spread significantly.
The damage to the power lines resulted in a widespread power outage. Portland General Electric confirmed that approximately 9,000 customers in the Fairview area were affected by the outage. By 3 p.m., PGE reported that power had been restored to all impacted customers.
The high temperatures on the day of the crash made it difficult for firefighters to battle the blaze, and the extensive structural damage to the building limited their ability to work from the inside. As a result, they primarily focused on dousing the flames from outside using a ladder truck.
The cause of the fire is not yet determined, but investigators believe that fuel from the plane may have been a contributing factor.
The fire caused significant damage to the building, displacing at least five families. Fire crews are still assessing the condition of one unit, and there is a possibility that a sixth family may also be displaced.
Volunteers from the Trauma Intervention Program were on-site to assist the displaced residents, and the Red Cross secured temporary housing for all affected families for Saturday night.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Two investigators have been dispatched to the scene to document the wreckage and collect evidence. The wreckage will then be transported to a secure facility for further examination.
Anyone with information about the crash, including surveillance footage or other relevant details, is encouraged to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov. The NTSB will not be commenting on the cause of the accident during the on-site investigation. Local authorities will be responsible for releasing information about the victims and their injuries.
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.