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New testimonies and videos published in recent hours reveal how a group of neighbors acted swiftly and bravely to aid the occupants of the Cessna plane that crashed Sunday night in a residential area of Pembroke Pines, Florida. The four passengers — including two minors — are recovering well and are out of danger, according to family members and local media.
The Cessna T337G aircraft crashed around 8:10 p.m. just a mile from North Perry Airport, where it was attempting to land. The accident was initially reported on Monday, and new details have now emerged that broaden the scope of the incident and highlight the crucial role of the community.
"One grabbed an axe, one grabbed a fire extinguisher, one grabbed a hose," said Giovanna Hanley in statements to Local10 News, describing the scene just seconds after the impact. Her father-in-law, an emergency worker, also assisted: "My father-in-law began to tend to the people from the plane."
Another witness, TJ Jordan, recounted to the same outlet: “I grabbed the hose immediately and put it over the fire while the engine was burning.”
The images captured by security cameras and shared by Univision 23 Miami and Telemundo 51 show the exact moment of the impact and the coordinated effort of the neighbors, who faced the flames to help the injured.
“I heard the impact and when I went outside, I saw that the plane crashed into the tree. There was fire and the neighbors rushed to help,” Robert Cox told Telemundo.
Ethan Wolfe, the boyfriend of one of the passengers, confirmed that it was a family trip returning from vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “They told me that something went wrong and that they couldn't elevate the plane… something was wrong with the aircraft,” he stated to Local10 News. According to Wolfe, the four passengers suffered only “lacerations, bumps, and scratches” and are out of danger.
The accident has reignited the debate over safety at North Perry Airport. Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo reported that there have been at least 36 accidents in five years. "It's too much," he said in an interview cited by local media, and called for an independent investigation by Broward County authorities.
While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into the causes of the accident, residents emphasize that the swift collective action was crucial in preventing a greater tragedy. "The scare they experienced (...) thank God they are alive," said María Watters in the report from Univision.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Plane Crash in Pembroke Pines
What happened in the plane crash in Pembroke Pines?
A Cessna T337G plane crashed in a residential area of Pembroke Pines, Florida, while attempting to land at North Perry Airport. There were four people on board who, fortunately, survived the accident.
How did the neighbors react after the plane crash in Pembroke Pines?
The neighbors in the area acted quickly to assist the occupants of the small aircraft. They used axes, fire extinguishers, and hoses to control the fire and help the injured, which was crucial in preventing a greater tragedy.
What are the causes of the plane crash in Pembroke Pines?
The causes of the accident are still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A possible mechanical failure in the aircraft has been mentioned, but nothing has been confirmed officially.
What security measures are being taken at North Perry airport following the accident?
The mayor of Pembroke Pines, Angelo Castillo, has called for an independent investigation into the safety of North Perry Airport, as there have been at least 36 accidents reported in the last five years. The aim is to improve safety conditions to prevent future incidents.
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