A private plane crashed at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Sunday, killing one passenger and injuring two others, a spokesperson for the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Mashable.
The plane crashed onto the runway at 12:23 p.m. local time, according to Alex Burchetta, director of operations at the sheriff's office. Burchetta added that it is still unclear whether the three people onboard were airline crew or civilians.
Both of the injured passengers (one with major injuries and the other with moderate injuries) have been taken to Aspen Valley Hospital, Burchetta said. The sheriff's office declined to name the passengers.
The plane was flying from Tuscon, Az., and departed at 10:04 a.m. local time, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware. The cause of the crash is unknown, Burchetta said.
Emergency crews at the airport are currently dealing with the overturned plane, which Burchetta said is spilling fuel onto the runway. The airport will remain closed until further notice, according to a tweet published by @FlyAspenAirport:
A private aircraft has crashed at the Aspen Airport. Emergency vehicles are on scene. The airport is closed until further notice.— Aspen Airport (@FlyAspenAirport) January 5, 2014
News of the crash spread on Twitter after comedian Kevin Nealon live-tweeted the plane crash.
Horrible plane crash here at Aspen airport. Exploded into flames as it was landing. I think it was a private jet.— Kevin Nealon (@kevin_nealon) January 5, 2014
Other witnesses, including country singer LeAnn Rimes Cibrian, began sharing information about the crash via social media.
So sad! Horrible plane crash we just saw happen at the Aspen airport.— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) January 5, 2014
A private plane just crashed at Aspen Airport! pic.twitter.com/sX0ukBtFfr— Gretchen Hawkesby (@StarshipFriends) January 5, 2014
Just watched private plane crash at aspen airport. Insane pic.twitter.com/serK7UCLXF— Nico Salvatore Enea (@NicoSEnea) January 5, 2014
Aircraft involved in Aspen accident was N115WF. Crashed on landing, RWY15. Wind report of 330/16 #aspencrash— Aerospace Info (@AerospaceInfo) January 5, 2014
Sitting on the runway @aspen airport and there was a plane crash on the runway moments ago. Could smell gas fumes #breaking— Patrick G. Cendes (@realPatCendes) January 5, 2014
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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