Five people, including the pilot, have been confirmed dead after a Piper PA-32R-300 crashed shortly after take-off in South Carolina, United States (US).
The single-engine aircraft reportedly left Grand Strand Airport (CRE) in North Myrtle Beach at 11:02am on July 2, 2023, but at 11:03am crashed close to Pete Dye Drive.
Confirmation of the five people killed was announced by coroner Tamara Willard from the Horry County Coroner’s Office.
Willard told the media that one person was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to hospital but died later despite the efforts of medical staff.
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) initially stated in its preliminary report that only four people died, with one person injured.
“The Horry County Coroner’s Office is still in the process of identifying the victims. They will be releasing the information once everyone is identified and next of kin are notified,” North Myrtle Beach Police told CNN.
Although the victims have not been identified there are suggestions that some of the passengers were related.
When emergency staff arrived at the crash scene the Piper PA-32R-300 was reportedly on fire.
In the latest update from North Myrtle Beach Police, the agency confirmed that the plane wreckage has been removed.
“The debris from the plane crash site on Pete Dye Dr has been removed. Pete Dye Dr is now back open. We thank you all for your cooperation and assistance. Please keep the victims of this tragedy and their families in your prayers,” a statement read.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident.