2 people killed, buildings erupt in flames after small aircraft crashes in Texas

Two people were killed and structures caught fire after a small aircraft crashed Tuesday morning in Odessa, Texas, authorities said.

Witnesses said they saw the plane struggling to get altitude after taking off from Odessa-Schlemeyer Field Airport, according to Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis and a post on the city of Odessa’s Facebook page.

The plane clipped power lines and then crashed “mostly in the alleyway,” Griffis said at a news conference.

The crash, which happened around 7 a.m. local time, caused nearby shop buildings and some mobile homes to erupt in flames. Photos posted by the city showed heavy damage to a business called Dewey’s.

“It’s obvious the pilot attempted to avoid the houses,” Griffis said, adding, “It’s a sad day in Odessa.”

The airport said it would not be releasing any information about the aircraft or making any comments on the crash.

Odessa Fire Chief Jason Cotton said that the fire is under control.

One woman was rescued from her burning mobile home, Cotton said. She was taken to the hospital in an unknown condition.

The cause of the crash is unclear. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

Red Cross is going to open a temporary shelter for anyone affected by the crash, the sheriff said.