Officials: Plane crashes into Dutchess County home, killing 2

Police say a plane crashed into a Dutchess County home Saturday, killing two people.

News 12 Staff

Aug 18, 2019, 11:11 AM

Updated 1,957 days ago

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Police say a plane crashed into a Dutchess County home Saturday, killing two people.
They say the Cessna T-303 Crusader had engine trouble and crashed into the home at 229 S. Smith St. in Union Vale just after 4 p.m.
New York State Police Capt. Paul DeQuarto says the plane took off from Orange County Airport and stopped at Sky Acres Airport less than a mile away to refuel before it continued on its route to Republic Airport on Long Island.
News 12 is told three men were on the plane. One has died, while the other two survived with non-life threatening injuries.
According to police, three people were in the home when the plane crashed into it. One of the people inside the home died, while the other two survived with injuries, according to state police.
Officials say the home was completely engulfed in flames and was destroyed.
Officials haven't confirmed the identities of those involved. But a post on Our Lady of Lourdes High School's website says that Will Bocker's father, Jerry, was killed inside his home yesterday and that his sister Hannah is in critical condition.
 
Neighbors described the loud sounds and chaotic scene unfolding in their area.
"I heard, 'Boom, boom.' I saw the house completely engulfed in flames," says neighbor Rick Plambeck. He says he saw one occupant of the home jump out of a window and down a ladder.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro says resources are available for those affected.
"We've dispatched the Dutchess County mobile intervention team, our mental health and first aid division to assist families and individuals who may need that assistance," Molinaro says.
Officials say the family's three dogs ran off during the fire that followed the crash. Two have since been found, but one remains missing. Anyone with information is asked to call 845-490-2731.
Aviation personel are now part of a broader investigation that is expected to last all week.
State troopers, the National Transportation Safety Board and animal control have been on the scene since Saturday's incident.
A friend started a Go-Fund-Me page that read in part: "My friend Sara's house got hit by a plane today. She lost her father and her sister is not in the burnt unit at the hospital.
According to the post, the family has nowhere to go.
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