The Ohio State Highway Patrol has identified the aircraft involved in the tragic incident as a 1963 Piper Cherokee.
AKRON, Ohio — A devastating plane crash in Akron, Ohio, on Thursday afternoon has resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
The accident occurred around 3:45 p.m. within the Coventry Crossing residential area, situated in the southern sector of the city, which is home to approximately 190,000 residents.
Akron fire officials were alerted to the scene following reports of dense black smoke billowing from the area. Upon their arrival, responders were met with flames and smoke emanating from a residence. In response, two homes were evacuated, but fortunately, no residents suffered injuries.
Authorities have confirmed that the two deceased were located inside the aircraft, though their identities remain undisclosed at this time.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that the aircraft was a 1963 Piper Cherokee. The plane had departed from Akron Fulton Airport, located approximately four miles east of the crash site.
“The crash remains an active investigation, and troopers, local law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel continue to assess the scene. Residents are encouraged to avoid the area while emergency crews remain on site,” the OSHP added in a release.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board will be in charge of the investigation.
Akron Fire Department response
During a press conference at the scene, Akron Fire Department District Chief Sierjie Lash told reporters that officials first received a call that residents saw a plane going down into the house.
“We got more calls that people heard explosions and we arrived to heavy smoke coming out of the house and we addressed it, approached it as a house fire,” she explained.
The home suffered significant damage as a result of the plane crash. Lash explained that Akron fire investigators will work with the Ohio State Fire Marshal to determine the house’s structural integrity.
Lash added that the department was being “very protective” of all of the nearby residents, given the proximity of houses near the crash scene.
Neighbors tell 3News, a TV station based in Cleveland, they are coming together via the neighborhood’s social media group to help collect items and support the families affected by this tragedy.