Alaska State Troopers have reported that a large cargo plane crashed near Fairbanks on Tuesday, with no survivors found. The Douglas DC-4 aircraft went down along the Tanana River shortly after departing from Fairbanks International Airport around 10 a.m. local time, as per information from troopers.
The crash resulted in a devastating fire, with the plane sliding into a steep hill on the riverbank. Despite response efforts from various agencies including troopers, police, and fire departments, no survivors were located, the troopers confirmed.
Investigations into the cause of the crash have commenced, led by officials from the National Transportation Safety Board. The flight details, such as the plane’s operator and destination, are currently being determined by authorities.
The Division of Forestry, responding to the site, reported a significant blaze in the heavily forested area, sparked by the crash. The fire was eventually brought under control by mid-afternoon.
Local witness Mike Emers, owner of Rosie Creek Farm near Fairbanks, detailed the harrowing event. He heard the plane go down, saw one of its engines on fire, and felt a series of explosions that followed. Emers attempted to alert emergency services and later recounted the extensive damage observed at the crash site.
Further details surrounding the crash and the ongoing investigation are expected to emerge in the coming hours and days. This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the Fairbanks community and aviation authorities, prompting a unified response to unravel the circumstances behind the crash.
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