A twin-engine Piper PA-31 crashed onto a busy Texas highway Wednesday afternoon, damaging vehicles and sending four people to the hospital. The crash occurred near an overpass in Victoria, approximately 150 miles southwest of Houston, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The plane, carrying only the pilot, came down around 3 p.m., striking three vehicles at a highway intersection. The impact split the aircraft into two pieces, with part of the wreckage resting on a car. Images from the scene showed significant damage to the vehicles and debris scattered across the road.
Victoria Police Deputy Chief Eline Moya stated that three individuals suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated locally. One person required transportation to a more advanced medical facility, while the pilot was being evaluated. “This is not something we see every day, but we are glad that people seem to be OK and they’re getting checked out,” Moya said.
Eyewitness Tony Poynor described the harrowing moment leading up to the crash. “I started hearing the sound of a small plane engine very close to me,” Poynor said. He saw the plane’s shadow pass over his truck before it began to wobble and crash about a quarter mile ahead. After the crash, Poynor approached the plane and found the pilot conscious but unable to be removed from the wreckage.
First responders quickly arrived at the scene, securing the area and assisting the injured. Caution tape surrounded the wreckage as investigators began assessing the damage.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The pilot’s identity has not been released, and further details about the flight remain unknown.
Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, officials expressed relief that the injuries were not more severe. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected as authorities piece together the events leading to the crash.
