NOME, ALASKA: A tragic Alaska plane crash has claimed the lives of all 10 people on board after the wreckage was discovered on sea ice near Nome, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The small commuter plane went down while en route to Nome, a vital hub community in western Alaska. The U.S. Coast Guard led the search effort, pinpointing the aircraft’s last known location before a helicopter crew spotted the debris field. Two rescue swimmers were lowered onto the ice to assess the scene.
A photo released by the Coast Guard revealed the aircraft’s shattered remains, with pieces of the fuselage scattered across the frozen surface. Officials say it ranks among the deadliest air disasters in Alaska in the past 25 years.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigators are working to determine what led to the fatal incident. Authorities will examine weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot communications as part of their probe.
Air travel is essential in Alaska, where remote locations often rely on small planes for transportation. However, the state’s harsh climate and unpredictable weather pose significant risks.
The crash has sent shockwaves through local communities, with officials expressing condolences to the victims’ families. The Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and local agencies are coordinating efforts to recover the bodies and debris.
