GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Honolulu firefighters investigate a damaged cargo building after a plane crashed into the building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
1 /2 GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Honolulu firefighters investigate a damaged cargo building after a plane crashed into the structure near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Witnesses respond after a plane crashed into the building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
2 /2 GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Witnesses respond after a plane crashed into the building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Honolulu firefighters investigate a damaged cargo building after a plane crashed into the building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Witnesses respond after a plane crashed into the building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
Two people were killed after a single-turboprop Cessna Caravan plane crashed into an abandoned building near Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport this afternoon, according to the Department of Transportation.
DOT Director Ed Sniffen said the Kamaka Air training flight had two people on board and crashed shortly after takeoff from the airport’s runway 4-left.
Officials did not immediately release the identities or ages of the victims.
The flight has been identified as Kamaka Air Flight 689. The plane took off from Honolulu Airport at 3:15 p.m. en route to Lanai Airport, but never reached its destination, FlightAware said.
Honolulu emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and confirmed the two people on board were dead, officials said.
The abandoned building will be demolished, according to Sniffen, and no one was inside at the time of the crash.
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Sniffen called the incident an “absolute tragedy,” but he said it could have been “much, much worse” because the pilot appeared to have made several adjustments to “minimize the impact.” Sniffen said an airport gas station was not far from the impact site.
He said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.
Sheldon Hao, chief of the Honolulu Fire Department, said the fire from the crash was contained to the exterior of the building and the crashed plane and was quickly extinguished. Hao said airport firefighters arrived first, followed by HFD and Honolulu Emergency Medical Services.
Hao expressed his condolences to the “Kamaka ohana.”
Honolulu EMS Director Jim Ireland said the crash occurred just a few blocks from EMS headquarters and first responders arrived on the scene shortly after the crash.
A woman who works near the airport told Hawaii News Now. She saw a small blue-and-white plane pass her seventh-floor office window and then heard a loud bang.
Heavy black smoke was visible in the vicinity of the air cargo facilities.
“Ualena and Aolele streets near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are closed due to a plane crash,” DOT officials said in an alert shortly after the crash at about 3:37 p.m.
The streets were open again just before 6 p.m
City officials said in a statement: “The Honolulu Emergency Operations Center has been partially activated in response to the incident near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The city’s Department of Emergency Management is monitoring the situation and multiple first responders, including the Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Police Department, responded to the incident.
Governor Josh Green released a statement saying, “Shortly after three this afternoon, HDOT responded to a plane crash at a vacant building on Ualena Street.
“All airport facilities are operational; however, the roads surrounding the plane crash are closed. HDOT is working with airport personnel and Terminal 3 occupants to provide safe transportation to areas not required for the crash response.
“Jaime and my hearts go out to the pilot and passenger and their families, as well as to everyone who experienced this traumatic event. There are services available to help you process what you have seen; call 2-1-1, Aloha United Way, for assistance. Our Department of Transportation team will provide all necessary support to federal officials, whose job will be to investigate this incident and determine a cause, which may not be known for some time.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a separate statement: “This heartbreaking incident is a reminder of the dedication and risks taken by those who help keep Hawaii’s essential goods moving. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy at this incredibly difficult time.
“We also thank the first responders who responded quickly to the scene to provide assistance. The city stands ready to support Kamaka Air and all involved in any way we can.”———–This latest news item will be updated as more information becomes available.—— – —–7 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you agree to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, without personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you think they don’t follow our guidelines.
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