A North Dakota state representative and her friend lost their lives when the small aircraft they were travelling in crashed into the ground and burst into flames shortly after takeoff on Saturday.
Lawmaker Liz Conmy, a 67-year-old mother of four, and pilot Joe Cass were the only individuals aboard the Beech F33A when the incident occurred in Minnesota just before noon.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft crashed and burned in a residential neighbourhood.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss, offering condolences to the families, friends, and fellow legislators affected by the incident.
Eyewitnesses describe sudden impact
Video footage obtained by news outlets showed the plane hitting the ground and erupting into a large fire.
The aircraft had just departed from Crystal Airport, located north of Minneapolis, before it spiralled down in Brooklyn Park.
Residents in the area described hearing a loud boom from their homes. One neighbour reported seeing a massive fire at the scene, noting that while people rushed to help, the flames grew rapidly, making rescue efforts difficult.
Police officials confirmed the crash site was within a residential zone, though no further casualties on the ground were reported at the time of the incident.
Legacy of public service
The North Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party, which Conmy represented, stated they were heartbroken by the news.
They described her death as a profound loss for the state, highlighting her background as a former farmer and teacher at Minnesota State University.
During her tenure which began in 2023, she was known for advocating for public education, environmental protection, and government transparency.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the number of occupants on the flight, while the National Transportation Safety Board has announced it will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
