WOODLAKE, Calif. (KFSN) — Multiple agencies responded Saturday to a fiery plane crash near Woodlake, which was captured on video by a witness.
Makayla Hernandez said she saw the plane go down from a storage center about a mile away from the crash site and described the moments leading up to the crash.
“We had seen it kind of like whirl around like a little bit too low into these orchards. And that’s when we had seen it kind of flip over and go straight to the ground,” she said.
Hernandez said she was with her mother when they noticed the plane descending abnormally, followed by a large plume of black smoke.
The pair drove toward the crash scene to see if they could help and called 911.
Hernandez said emergency crews responded within minutes of her call.
The crash occurred just before 11 a.m. near Road 204 and Avenue 336. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare County Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol all responded.
Authorities said the response was complicated because the aircraft struck multiple power lines, creating a dangerous situation for first responders.
Crews had to wait until SoCal Edison workers shut off electricity before approaching the scene.
The downed lines caused a power outage affecting 18 customers for several hours.
In a statement, a SoCal Edison spokesperson said, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends impacted by this tragic plane crash… crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. We remind the public: if you see a downed or dangling power line-even if it appears inactive-stay at least 100 feet away and call 911 immediately.”
Makayla and her mother say they’re now recovering from the emotional toll of what happened, especially so close to where they live.
“It’s a really scary thing, you know? Like, I never would have thought that something like this would have happened where I would witness it firsthand… just really worried for the family,” Hernandez said.
There was no update on any victims as of Saturday night.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, and SoCal Edison crews continue working to restore power.
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