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3 people dead after small plane crashes into mobile home park in Clearwater
Several mobile homes on Pagoda Drive within the park caught fire following the crash, as reported by firefighters.
Update: A source confirmed to Channel3 NOW that 3 dead, pilot and 2 on the ground after plane that crashes into the Bayside Waters mobile home park.
CLEARWATER, Fla. – On Thursday evening, a small plane collided with a mobile home park in Clearwater, leading to multiple fires in the vicinity, as reported by the Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) verified that a Beechcraft Bonanza V35 crashed into the Bayside Waters mobile home park, formerly recognized as Japanese Gardens, situated on U.S. 19 south of the Clearwater Mall at approximately 7 p.m.
The pilot had communicated an engine failure before the crash, according to authorities.
The plane’s pilot called “mayday, mayday, mayday,” before coming down, Clearwater Fire Chief Scott Ehlers said. “They were in contact with Tampa approach and having issues.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not disclosed information about the number of individuals aboard during the plane’s descent.
Clearwater fire crews, along with several other fire departments and law enforcement agencies, are presently on-site responding to the incident.
Several mobile homes on Pagoda Drive within the park caught fire following the crash, as reported by firefighters.
Witness-provided videos depict a substantial blaze consuming a residence in Clearwater.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
