rki.news | Source: Anadolu
WASHINGTON, July 24: All 11 people aboard a Kenmore Air seaplane were rescued after the aircraft made an emergency landing near Sucia Island off Washington state before catching fire, authorities said Thursday.
The DeHavilland DHC-3 seaplane, carrying 10 passengers and one pilot, went down at about 5:20 p.m. local time, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The US Coast Guard confirmed that everyone aboard was rescued. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office said several passengers suffered injuries, including head trauma, broken bones and lacerations. US media reported that at least one person was in critical condition.
Kenmore Air said the flight departed from Seattle’s Lake Union. Four injured passengers were taken to hospitals, while the remaining passengers and the pilot were transported to the Coast Guard station in Bellingham.
The accident prompted a major emergency response involving the US Coast Guard and Navy. Kenmore Air Chief Executive Officer David Gudgel said the airline’s priority was supporting passengers and the pilot while thanking emergency responders for their swift rescue efforts.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.