Plane crashes in Nashville, claims all lives onboard
A single-engine airplane attempting an emergency landing crashed near the Charlotte Pk exit off the eastbound lanes of I-40, resulting in the tragic loss of all five individuals on board.
The Nashville Police Department confirmed the heartbreaking news via Twitter, revealing that the ill-fated plane, grappling with engine failure, sought permission for an emergency landing at Nashville’s John Tune airport. Despite the air traffic control tower granting clearance, the aircraft tragically failed to make a safe descent.
Don Aaron, spokesperson for the Nashville Metropolitan Police, addressed the media in a press conference, recounting that the distress call was received around 7:40 p.m. ET. The failed emergency landing attempt culminated in the loss of all lives aboard the aircraft.
Nashville’s Fire Department, which swiftly responded to the crash, reported encountering heavy fire upon arrival. Despite the challenging circumstances, the dedicated rescue crews managed to extinguish the flames, preserving crucial evidence for subsequent investigations by relevant agencies.
This tragic incident follows closely on the heels of another aviation catastrophe, where Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, son, and companions lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the U.S. just a few weeks ago. The Eurocopter EC 130 chopper, carrying the victims including Chris Ogunbanjo, crashed near Nipton, California, approximately 60 miles from Las Vegas.
The group was reportedly en route to witness the Super Bowl showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
As investigations unfold into the recent plane crash in Nashville, the aviation community and the public at large grapple with the somber reality of two back-to-back tragedies, leaving an indelible mark on the safety concerns within the industry.