14 Injured After Skydiving Plane Accident at Cross Keys Airport in Gloucester County
A total of fourteen individuals sustained injuries following the crash of a single-engine skydiving aircraft on Wednesday in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene to find significant damage to the plane and several victims covered in jet fuel.
The incident was reported around 5:25 p.m. as a mass casualty event at Cross Keys Airport, situated on the 1500 block of North Tuckahoe Road in Williamstown.
According to Andrew Halter from Gloucester County Emergency Management, responders noted extensive destruction of the aircraft and multiple victims affected by jet fuel contamination.
“Patients were decontaminated before being taken to the hospital. There were 15 individuals on board, including the pilot,” Halter stated.
Footage from Chopper 6 revealed a large-scale emergency response, with numerous victims being transported away on stretchers.
Officials confirmed that fourteen people, including the pilot, were hospitalized with various injuries; three individuals who were airlifted from the site are reported to be in critical condition.
Halter indicated that injuries for the remainder appeared to be minor, while one passenger declined treatment at the scene.
Investigators disclosed that prior to the crash into a tree near the runway, the pilot had experienced engine difficulties. “At that moment, he was reportedly climbing and informed us about some engine issues while attempting to return safely to ground level but was unable to do so,” Halter explained.
Concerns have arisen among local residents regarding future flights and skydiver safety. Sierra Kelly from Williamstown expressed her worries: “Some planes fly so low over our house; it’s alarming. I have children here—who knows if they might crash into our home?”
The Cessna 208B involved in the incident is owned by Arne Aviation LLC and leased to Skydive Cross Keys located in Gloucester County.
Crews will continue their efforts throughout the night to search through debris located in a wooded area adjacent to the airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the precise cause of this accident.
