A tragic accident unfolded Saturday morning in Fairview, Oregon, when a small plane crashed into a row of townhouses, claiming the lives of the two people on board and one resident in the affected building.

The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time, causing significant damage and leaving thousands without power in the surrounding area, as Fox News reports.

The aircraft, identified as a twin-engine Cessna 421C, was flying near the Portland International Airport and Troutdale Airport when it encountered trouble.

The plane struck a power pole before plummeting into the roof of a townhouse, leading to a catastrophic scene. The impact of the collision was severe, and debris from the plane was scattered over a wide area, with two distinct crash sites noted due to the force of the impact.

Immediate Response to the Plane Crash

Emergency services were quick to respond to the incident. Gresham Fire Department, alongside agencies such as The Port of Portland, Portland Fire and Rescue, and Clackamas Fire, were on the scene shortly after the crash was reported.

These teams worked tirelessly to manage the fire that broke out following the crash and to secure the area to prevent further harm.

Videos circulating on social media captured the aftermath, showing a massive plume of smoke rising above the tree line, a grim indicator of the devastation below. Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion and then witnessing the flames engulfing the townhouse.

Casualties and Damage Assessment

The crash resulted in the deaths of all two occupants on the plane. Additionally, a resident of the townhouse that the plane struck was also killed. The victim's identity has not been released as authorities continue to notify family members.

Another resident of the same townhouse was reported missing, adding to the tragedy of the situation. This information was confirmed by Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis, who briefed reporters at the scene.

Evacuations and Power Outages in Fairview

Following the crash, authorities evacuated neighboring townhouses as a precautionary measure. The damage to the power pole caused by the plane left thousands of residents in the area without electricity. Utility crews were dispatched to restore power, but many in the community faced extended outages as repairs were made.

The crash site itself became a focal point of both the rescue operations and the investigation. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office provided updates to the public, with Public Information Officer John Plock explaining the complexities of the crash site. "The plane hit a power pole and so the impact of that appears to have caused some of the plane pieces to come off so, like I said, there’s really kind of two crash areas, so to speak, and debris kind of all around," Plock said.

Ongoing Investigation into the Crash

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the crash.

Both agencies will be looking into the circumstances surrounding the flight and the moments leading up to the crash to determine the cause of the accident. This process is expected to take several weeks, if not months, as investigators analyze the wreckage and gather data.

Community Reaction and Support

The Fairview community has been deeply affected by the incident. Local authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the crash site while the investigation continues, and they have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.

The Red Cross and other local organizations have stepped in to provide assistance to those displaced by the crash and to support the community during this difficult time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the crash of the twin-engine Cessna 421C in Fairview, Oregon, has resulted in the tragic loss of three lives, significant property damage, and widespread power outages.

Emergency services responded swiftly, but the impact of the crash has left a lasting mark on the community. As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, the residents of Fairview are left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, and as the community continues to recover from the tragedy.