Watch | Plane Crashes Into Townhomes Near US' Portland, 3 Dead

At least three individuals lost their lives when a small plane crashed into a row of townhouses on Saturday morning in a neighbourhood east of Portland, Oregon. The incident caused fires in the homes, leading to panic among residents.

Authorities informed KATU-TV that three people were confirmed dead following the crash. Initially, officials had reported that the plane carried two people and that at least one resident was missing. Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis mentioned that it was too early to confirm fatalities, noting that fire crews were dealing with significant structural damage to the townhomes.

Plane Identified as Twin-Engine Cessna 421C

The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a twin-engine Cessna 421C. The plane went down around 10:30 am near Troutdale Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive east of Portland. The crash site was in Fairview, a city with approximately 10,000 residents.

Videos from the scene showed one townhouse engulfed in flames while black smoke billowed from adjacent houses. The fire spread to at least four homes, displacing up to six families. Two individuals received treatment at the scene, but details about their injuries were not provided.

Crash Impact and Immediate Response

The plane's descent caused it to knock over a pole and power lines, igniting a separate brush fire in a nearby field, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. The aircraft broke into multiple parts upon impact in the residential area.

Lewis stated that the first report of the fire came from staff at Troutdale Airport's control tower, who noticed thick smoke rising. However, initial reports indicated there was no mayday or emergency call from the aircraft before it crashed.

The Port of Portland's website describes Troutdale Airport as primarily used for flight training and recreational purposes. This information highlights the airport's role within general aviation and marine operations in the Portland area.

The tragic event has left many families displaced and mourning their loved ones. Emergency services continue to assess and manage the situation while investigating the cause of the crash.