4 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

Tragedy struck on a Saturday morning in Mississippi when a plane crashed near the Tupelo Regional Airport, resulting in the loss of two lives. According to Tupelo Fire Department Sergeant Michael Moody, the deaths were confirmed to CBS News, but the identities of the victims have not been shared. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and it is unclear what type of plane was being flown or how many people were on board at the time of the incident.

We took this video from CBS Evening News YouTube Channel.

Eyewitness Charles Johnson and his wife were driving on a nearby road when they saw the plane "banking in really hard" and "saw the plume of smoke." Johnson stated that he immediately told his wife that the plane had crashed and pulled over to see if he could help. However, upon arriving at the scene, Johnson saw a "massive flame" in the debris field and realized that there was nothing he could do to help. Emergency responders, including National Guardsmen and fire trucks, arrived at the scene within three minutes, but unfortunately, the victims could not be saved.

The Tupelo Regional Airport has been a transportation hub for northern Mississippi for over 65 years, and it also offers flying lessons, according to its website. The airport serves a population of approximately 38,000 people in Tupelo, which is located about 190 miles from Jackson, the state's capital city.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety regulations and guidelines when operating any type of vehicle, including airplanes. It is crucial to be aware of the risks and potential dangers associated with flying, and to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of oneself and others. As the investigation into this incident continues, the community mourns the loss of the two victims and offers support to their loved ones during this difficult time.