Multiple people injured after skydiving plane crashes in Tennessee, officials say
Multiple people were injured on June 8 after a skydiving plane crashed in Coffee County, Tennessee, authorities and officials said.
A skydiving plane departed Tullahoma Regional Airport at about 12:30 p.m. on June 8 with 20 people aboard, City Administrator Jason Quick said during an evening news conference. Shortly after takeoff, the plane "experienced an unknown issue that resulted in an impact on trees and terrain," Quick explained.
"Tullahoma Police and Tullahoma Fire were on scene in minutes, along with Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Coffee County Emergency Management Service, and Coffee County Ambulance Service," Quick added.
Quick said all passengers on the plane were medically assessed once emergency service crews arrived on the scene. Three people were transferred for additional care to hospitals in Nashville, while four others were transported to nearby hospitals for care, Quick added.
"All other passengers were treated for minor injuries and were treated on scene by our first responders," Quick confirmed.
Community Engagement Officer Lyle Russell said three people were sent for medical treatment via helicopter, and a fourth passenger with "more serious injuries" was transported by ground, all of them to local hospitals.
"We are grateful the injuries were limited, and our hearts and minds are with those who went through this accident and their upcoming recovery," Russell said during the news conference.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which will take over the investigation, and the FAA were working with local airport personnel, officials said the evening of June 8.
(This story was updated to add new information.)