What a close call.
A plane crashed in a parking lot at Brethren Village, a retirement community in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania, on Sunday afternoon, injuring at least five people. The crash occurred around 3 p.m. when a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza went down. There were five people aboard the aircraft.
Officials reported that the plane skidded approximately 100 feet after the crash but fortunately did not strike any of the community’s buildings. Manheim Township Fire Chief Scott Little confirmed that several vehicles caught fire due to the crash. Authorities are now focusing on recovery efforts and the ongoing investigation, with federal agencies involved in the next steps. The exact severity of the passengers’ injuries has not been disclosed.
Police Chief Duane Fisher stated that at least a dozen vehicles were affected, with five severely damaged by the crash. A security official who witnessed the incident confirmed seeing a fireball and thick black smoke emanating from the plane.
Witnesses reported the aircraft had taken off from Lancaster Airport shortly before the crash. Local resident Joseph Smith, who saw the incident from across the street, noted that the plane went down within 30 seconds of takeoff and that a strong fuel smell lingered in the air as emergency responders worked at the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it is investigating the crash. Governor Josh Shapiro also addressed the incident on social media, stating that Pennsylvania State Police are on the ground assisting local responders. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge.
