On Tuesday morning, a private plane carrying four passengers and a small dog crashed into Tampa Bay. The incident occurred as the passengers were attempting to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton, according to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue spokesperson Ashlie Handy.
The crash took place at approximately 10:50 a.m. east of the St. Petersburg Pier. Handy explained that the six-passenger Cherokee airplane experienced engine failure immediately after takeoff from Albert Whitted Airport, leading to the crash into the water just 300 yards east of the Pier. The plane was completely submerged by the time rescue crews arrived at the scene.
Fortunately, a Good Samaritan on a private boat, accompanied by a St. Petersburg Police Department officer, was able to rescue the passengers and the dog from the water. The passengers, described as men aged between 25 and 40, were then treated at the scene for injuries before being transported to a hospital. Thankfully, the injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
This harrowing incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift and effective emergency response efforts during times of crisis. The quick actions of the Good Samaritan and emergency personnel undoubtedly played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved in the plane crash.
