VICTORIA, Texas — A twin-engine propeller plane crashed onto a highway in Victoria on Wednesday afternoon, splitting in two and leaving debris scattered across the roadway.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the only person on board the Piper PA-31 was the pilot. The pilot's name and the condition were not immediately released. The FAA said it would investigate the crash.
Victoria police said in a brief video statement posted on Facebook that three vehicles had been damaged. Images from the scene showed the plane split in half at the fuselage, and part of the plane wreckage sitting on top of a damaged car.
Victoria Police Deputy Chief Eline Moya said four people were taken to hospitals. Three had non-life threatening injuries and one was transported to an out-of-town hospital for higher-level treatment. The pilot was being evaluated.
“This is not something we see everyday, but we are glad that people seem to be OK and they’re getting checked out,” Moya said.
A video posted online showed the plane flying very low over the roadway shortly before crash around 3 p.m. about 150 miles south of Houston.
Victoria police said the intersection of Zac Lentz Parkway and Mockingbird Lane was closed. Police said it would remain closed until further notice. Police anticipated the closure would last beyond the Thursday morning rush hour.
Victoria East High School students were released from school a short time before the crash happened. Traffic was being diverted to help with congestion. Parents were alerted that pickup may take longer than normal.
Victoria is about 150 miles southwest of Houston.
