Local News
Two Killed in Plane Crash at DuPage Airport in West Chicago
Authorities confirmed that a fatal aircraft crash occurred at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The incident took place at approximately 2700 International Drive, where a fixed-wing aircraft crashed and came to rest in a debris pile on Runway 20 of the airport.
Emergency responders arriving on scene reported extensive damage to the aircraft.
Officials confirmed that fuel was actively leaking from the wreckage; however, no fire was reported.
Fire and rescue crews secured the scene and implemented safety measures to mitigate the fuel hazard.
Two occupants of the aircraft were pronounced deceased at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.
Authorities indicated that the incident was contained and could be managed by West Chicago emergency units, with no immediate need for outside assistance.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and further information will be released as it becomes available.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. โ A 62-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning after a small aircraft crashed in a field in the Whiton community of DeKalb County, Alabama, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Douglas Emge, 62, of Whiton. Emergency crews responded to the crash along County Road 3, where the single-engine aircraft came down behind the Whitton water tank.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriffโs Office, emergency personnel were dispatched to the area following reports of the aircraft crash. DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Posey confirmed that one person died in the incident.
An FAA spokesperson said a Vanโs RV-4 crashed in a field near Albertville at approximately 6:50 a.m. The aircraft had only one person aboard, and Emge was the pilot.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also participating. Investigators will work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
Officials have not released a cause of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. Additional information is expected as investigators examine the aircraft, crash site and other available evidence.
The City of Albertville issued a statement mourning Emge, describing him as a longtime and prominent member of the Albertville Regional Airport community.
According to the city, Doug Emge was the face of Albertville Regional Airport for more than 30 years and was the founder and sole owner of Albertville Aviation, which operated the airportโs fixed-base operator, or FBO.
The city said Emge was known for helping pilots, flight crews and passengers who arrived at the airport, providing assistance with fuel, rental cars, lodging and recommendations in the community.
Albertville officials also described Emge as a Marine veteran, pilot, husband, father and grandfather. The city extended its condolences to his wife, Stacy, his family and the staff and colleagues at Albertville Regional Airport.
The City of Albertville said Emgeโs contributions to the airport, the city and the wider Sand Mountain community would not soon be forgotten.
Emergency crews and investigators remained at the scene as authorities continued their response.
Officials asked members of the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel work at the crash site and the investigation gets underway.
The cause of the fatal DeKalb County plane crash remains under investigation by the NTSB and FAA.