Plane Crash in Bates County, Missouri, Claims 12 Lives
BASTES COUNTY, MO – A plane crash on Sunday claimed the lives of 12 individuals in rural Bates County.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 2:41 p.m. The single-engine aircraft went down in a field near Highway 71, authorities confirmed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the incident, which involved one aircraft. Emergency medical personnel pronounced all 12 people aboard deceased at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing the plane struggling in the air moments before the crash. Local law enforcement closed a section of Highway 71 for safety and to accommodate rescue efforts.
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or details regarding the cause of the crash, pending notification of next of kin. Further information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Residents are urged to avoid the area as cleanup and investigation efforts continue.