A tragic incident in Butler, Missouri has resulted in the loss of 11 skydivers and a pilot. Reports from FOX4 indicate that a total of 12 individuals perished after a plane crash on Sunday morning.
The tragedy unfolded when a private aircraft departing from Butler Memorial Airport abruptly changed course and crashed near Business 49 Highway around 11:30 a.m., as confirmed by a spokesperson from Bates County Emergency Management.
Of the 12 victims, 11 were skydivers, while the remaining victim was the pilot of the plane. Unfortunately, there were no survivors among those on board.
Emergency response teams, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board, are actively involved in the search efforts to determine if any skydivers had attempted to jump from the plane before the crash.
Local authorities anticipate that the investigation into the incident will extend over several days as they strive to unravel the circumstances leading to the crash and clear the debris from the site.
Business 49 Highway has been temporarily closed in both directions near the airport, as noted by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office. Commuters are advised to seek alternative routes until further notice.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a statement on X, indicating their assistance in the investigation of the fatal plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport, where all occupants, totaling 12 individuals, tragically lost their lives. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
