There were no survivors in a plane crash in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office. A husband and wife have been confirmed dead.
Because of the carnage of the wreck, officials were not immediately sure on Friday how many additional people were in the plane at the time of the crash. Federal Aviation Administration officials said the crash involved a Beechcraft Bonanza BE36.
On Saturday, Christian County Emergency Management Director Randy Graham said the remains of the two who were killed have been removed from the site of the fatal crash and have been sent for autopsies.
Saturday evening, the husband and wife were identified as Dominic and Dr. Dianne Giammetta, of Bettendorf, Iowa. Authorities said Dominic, known as Don, was the pilot.
Officials from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office were called to an area off Shurdan Creek Road Friday afternoon.
The plane went down in a wooded area about eight miles northwest of Hopkinsville around 11:53 a.m.
No survivors in airplane crash. Deputies and first responders still on scene. pic.twitter.com/OCtI78Cb1i
— Christian Co. S.O. (@_ccso_) May 12, 2017
WKDZ Radio reported resident Vince Dixon was contacted by the Hopkinsville-Christian County Airport about the crash. They knew the general area where the plane went down, but did not have an exact location.
Dixon looked around his property and found the wreckage in a wooded area. Emergency dispatchers were called around 12:25 p.m.
Victim identification was not available.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have been dispatched to the area. Officials from the Christian County Sheriff's Office said they were making efforts to secure the scene for the NTSB and FAA investigations.
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin released the following statement Friday evening:
"We’ve received word of a multiple fatality plane crash in Hopkinsville. For all Kentuckians who understand the power of prayer, please join me in praying for the families and friends of those affected, and for strength and wisdom for our first responders."
