Tarrant County, TX — Two people are dead after a plane crash near Hicks Airfield on Sunday, authorities confirmed. Emergency crews discovered the victims at the scene, which also caused fires in a nearby parking lot and commercial building.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The Fort Worth Fire Department reported that the plane struck a parking lot where 18-wheeler trailers and campers were being stored, igniting a fire. Firefighters quickly responded to control the blaze.
“We thought we were responding to two separate incidents,” a fire department spokesperson told The New York Times. “Later on, we realized it was all part of the same one.”
Footage from CBS Texas showed fire crews battling flames as thick, dark smoke rose into the air shortly after the crash. The blaze has since been contained, officials said.
Airport and Roadway Information
Hicks Airfield is a private airport located about 16 miles northwest of Fort Worth, just off U.S. Route 287 Business. Authorities confirmed that the plane was not based at the airport, according to Lois Kinman, a representative for Hicks Airfield.
The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the crash but provided no additional details regarding the victims’ identities or the cause of the incident. Traffic in the area was blocked in both directions near the site.
Witness Accounts
An unnamed witness told WFAA that they were working at a nearby café when they heard a loud boom. A customer reportedly ran inside asking them to call 911, and upon looking outside, they saw the plane had crashed into parked trucks.
Another witness, Lauren Anderson, described the scene to The Independent:
“I saw a giant black cloud of smoke that appeared to be 100 feet wide. Once crews responded and the smoke cleared, it kind of looks like nothing happened.”
Anderson added:
“There was probably about a 20-, 30-minute window where it was just nonstop emergency vehicles.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. Fire officials and the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office are working to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors contributed to the incident.
The crash serves as a reminder of the risks associated with small aircraft operations near private and commercial facilities. Emergency responders praised the rapid action of crews, which prevented the fire from spreading further.
This story was reported by The Independent.
What are your thoughts on the response to this crash and aviation safety near populated areas? Share your views in the comments below.
