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 pilot was the only person on board the Piper PA-31. The pilot's name and the condition were not immediately released.
A preliminary investigation by the FAA revealed the plane ran out of fuel before making the emergency landing.
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 evaluated.
“This is not something we see every day, but we are glad that people seem to be OK and they’re getting checked out,” Moya said.
"I thought the plane was going to hit me," said Tony Poynor. "I saw the shadow of the overpass."
Poynor said he rushed to help the pilot, and then a woman in a car.
A video posted online showed the plane flying very low over the roadway shortly before the 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. Authorities said they would start clearing the wreckage on Thursday.
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.
