Two people out walking were seriously injured Monday morning when a small private plane hit them after crashing into a walking path near the Delaware County Regional Airport in Muncie, Indiana, according to airport officials.
During a press conference, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department said that just before 10:30 a.m., two of the victims were out walking a trail located near the Muncie airport when a single-engine Piper aircraft fell out of the sky and crashed while en route to the Muncie airport.
Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley said it’s unclear if the pedestrians were struck by the falling plane or by debris as the plane collided into the treeline surrounding the walking path.
The pilot, who officials said was also seriously injured, was reported to be the only person on board the plane.
He was trapped in the wreckage and first responders were able to cut the pilot free and rush them to the hospital when they arrived on scene.
Delaware County Regional Airport spokesperson Tim Baty said there was no call for an emergency landing.
They said the pilot, who was not local to Muncie, passed on the first landing and was coming back around when they crashed.
Officials said the pilot and one of the walkers were transported to an Indianapolis hospital for additional treatment.
“That’s a bad day,” Stanley said. “They’re out doing some exercise, going for a walk, and the next thing you know they’re being struck by a plane. It’s very unfortunate, we’re praying for the best for everyone involved.”
Delaware County Sheriff Tony Skinner told Fox News Digital it is unclear what caused the plane to crash.
Baty said the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating this incident.
Airport officials reported that this was the first serious injury crash for the Muncie airport in over 20 years.
