BUTLER, MO — A skydiving plane crash in Butler claimed 12 lives on Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:41 p.m. near the Butler Municipal Airport, located off Highway 71. Authorities confirmed that a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft went down during takeoff.
Emergency services from the BUTLER FIRE DEPARTMENT and the BATES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE responded to the scene. They found all 12 occupants deceased, including Blake Thacker, 25, who had recently relocated to the area for work after college.
Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The area surrounding the airport remains closed for safety and investigative purposes. There were no reports of additional injuries or damages on the ground.
Further details will be released as the investigation progresses, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact them.