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Multiple people were injured, including one critically, after a seaplane with 11 people aboard, crashed off the coast of Washington state, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities.
The FAA said the DeHavilland DHC-3 seaplane crashed near Sucia Island in Washington State around 5:20 p.m. local time.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office said everyone aboard the plane was rescued from the water.
A still photo from a video posted to Facebook shows a Kenmore Air plane that caught fire after crashing off the coast of Washington state.
Monica Scott / Facebook
“There are multiple patients with injuries ranging from head injuries to broken bones and lacerations,” the sheriff’s office said. One person was in critical condition, according to the sheriff’s office said.
In a statement Kenmore Air said the flight departed from Lake Union in Seattle with 10 passengers and one pilot on board. The company said four injured passenger were being taken to hospitals and the other passengers were taken to the Bellingham Coast Guard Station.
San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter told ABC News at least one civilian boat witnessed the crash and began helping rescue people out of the water.
A still photo from a video showing passengers being rescued from the crashed plane.
Monica Scott
When the sheriff’s office arrived at the scene, the plane was on fire and sinking.
“Swift actions from everyone prevented this from being worse,” he told ABC News.
The crash triggered a large emergency response, including from the U.S. Navy, which airlifted some people from the site, and the Coast Guard, which said it received a report of the Kenmore Air seaplane making an emergency landing in North Beach Shallow Bay and then catching fire.
A still photo from a video posted to Facebook shows a Kenmore Air plane that caught fire after crashing off the coast of Washington state.
Monica Scott / Facebook
In a statement, Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said: “We are grateful that everyone aboard has been accounted for, and our immediate focus is ensuring our passengers and pilot receive the care and support they need. We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and everyone assisting in the response. Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available.”
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
