Police Chief: No Fatalities In Plane Crash "Wonderful Thing"
(Lancaster County, PA) -- Lancaster County officials say yesterday's plane crash could have been much worse. During an evening news conference, authorities announced that all five people onboard the plane are expected to survive, and nobody on the ground was injured. Manheim Township Police Chief Duane Fisher said that is a "wonderful thing." The conditions of the passengers remain unknown at this time.
Updated information from CBS 21
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Just moments after a small plane crashed into the parking lot of Brethren Village Retirement Community Sunday afternoon, neighbors recounted witnessing the shocking moments the aircraft plummeted to the ground.
A couple living in the retirement home, who were just feet away at the time of the crash, said they jumped in to assist the passengers.
"Both him and I saw the five people crawl out of the plane, crawl over to the grass, and they laid there to get their breath, and then they all stood up, supporting each other, and came over closer to the building, and then they all laid down in the grass again," said Sheryn Jerchau, alongside her husband Dale.
READ MORE | Crew of five injured after plane crashes into retirement community near Lancaster Airport
Emergency crews arrived and began their rescue efforts just minutes later.
"I don’t know if I’d consider it a miracle, but the fact that we have a plane crash where everybody survives and nobody on the ground is hurt is a wonderful thing," said Duane Fisher, Manheim Township's chief of police.
The Jerchaus, who live at Brethren Village, said they jumped into action immediately after the wreck.
"I ran back into the apartment, grabbed a blanket and threw it down because one guy didn't have a shirt on, and you could see the burns on his chest," Sheryn said. "They didn't say anything. They were all just happy to be out of that burning plane and to be alive."
Dozens of police in and around Manheim Township arrived just minutes after the Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft crashed around 3:15 pm.
Officials confirmed five people who were on-board the plane were taken to the hospital.
They also said the small plane had just taken off from the Lancaster Airport, just across the street from the retirement community. According to flight records, the plane was on the way to Springfield, Ohio.
"Avoiding all the buildings, yes, I think [the pilot] did well for what he had to work with. I understand he had a door open and had to go back," said Karen Kreiser-Naddeo, who lives nearby the retirement home. "I think they should be thankful no one was killed. I was surprised really."
READ MORE | Eyewitness recounts shock as plane misses buildings in Lancaster County
The plane did hit multiple cars on its way down, sending thick, black smoke into the air.
"And then the plane rested on our other neighbor's car, and they had to break out the windows and put the white foam retardant on the car because there were sparks," Sheryn said.
Sheryn said that while she was on the balcony of her apartment, Dale was in the parking lot just 50 feet away from where the plane crashed. As it came down, he quickly hid behind another car.
"[I'm] just grateful it wasn't any closer," Dale said.
The Jerchaus said police had told them the plane would be taken back to Lancaster Airport.
photo cred: Sheryn Jerchau