Three Dead After Small Plane Crashes Into Platte River in Nebraska

The wreckage of the plane that crashed into the Platte River in Nebraska on Friday night

A small aircraft crashed into the Platte River near Fremont, Nebraska, at approximately 8:15 p.m., leaving all three people onboard dead. The tragic incident occurred just south of the city and prompted a large-scale emergency response.

Local law enforcement confirmed that the aircraft had been flying over the river before it went down. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, though it occurred on a day when Nebraska experienced severe weather, including a hailstorm.

Emergency crews at the scene

Emergency responders, including the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, utilized airboats and drones to search the area. Photos from the scene show first responders combing the river for any signs of survivors, but none were found.

Sgt. Brie Frank of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office confirmed at a press conference that all three individuals aboard the plane had been killed. Their identities have not yet been released, pending family notification.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken over the investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities are working to determine whether weather played a role or if mechanical failure or pilot error contributed to the tragedy.

The crash adds to a string of recent aviation accidents across the country, raising concerns about small aircraft safety.