Tragedy struck over the weekend when a small single-engine aircraft crashed in Illinois, killing all four people on board, according to the Illinois State Police.
The accident occurred around 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, when the plane — carrying four Wisconsin residents — went down after reportedly striking a set of power lines, as reported by CBS News. All four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Photos from the site show a devastating wreckage, as first responders and investigators worked to secure the area.
FAA and NTSB Investigating the Crash
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) arrived at the crash site shortly after the incident to begin a preliminary investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to take over the investigation and was scheduled to arrive on Sunday.
As of now, the victims’ identities have not been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin.
Ongoing Investigation
Local and federal officials will work together to determine the cause of the crash, including any mechanical issues or potential pilot error. The incident has also prompted renewed discussions about flight safety and infrastructure risks related to power lines in rural areas.