Plane Catches Fire After Forced Landing on NC Interstate: Officials
TL/DR –
A plane made an emergency landing on Interstate 26 in North Carolina, subsequently catching fire and causing significant traffic delays. Multiple people were transported to the hospital, though the exact number and condition of the victims is not clear. The incident also led to power outages for approximately 3,300 customers after the plane hit power lines, but power was restored by 11 p.m.
Plane Forced Landing in North Carolina Ignites Fire and Causes Traffic Chaos
A plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Interstate 26 in North Carolina, causing a massive fire and traffic disruption for several hours. The incident was confirmed by Asheville fire officials and there have been multiple reports from the public about the accident.
Video footage revealed the burning aircraft. Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has reported multiple hospitalizations as a result of the incident.
The airport spokesperson stated that the aircraft requested aid due to mechanical trouble and had to land on the interstate between Long Shoals and Airport roads. The start of the fire is still undetermined.
Emergency response included the airport’s fire truck, Skyland Fire and Rescue, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Asheville Police Department, and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
Travel Disruptions and Power Outages Following Incident
NCDOT announced that I-26 westbound will remain closed indefinitely. They have arranged a detour for motorists traveling on I-26 West to bypass the affected area. NCDOT predicts that the road will reopen around 7 a.m. Friday.
Many motorists ignored the detour exit and have been stuck in traffic for hours. The IMAP and NCDOT crews have begun turning vehicles around to clear the interstate.
Power surges and outages have also been reported in several places, including 3,300 customers in the area, according to the Duke Energy Power Outage Map. Although the website didn’t state the cause, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the plane hit power lines. Power was restored to these customers by 11 p.m.
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