Riverside Plane Crash

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

In February 2017, a tragic accident occurred in Riverside County just east of Los Angeles. Five San Jose natives were on board a twin-engine Cessna 310, when the plane suddenly clipped one home, crashed into another, and the fire engulfed a third home. Two nearby homes were also damaged by the effects of the fire. No one in any of the residences were injured.

Three of the people on board the plane including the pilot died as a result of the horrible accident. Two people were severely injured and taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. One of the victims suffered third-degree burns over 90 percent of her body and has succumb to complications of these extensive burns. Doctors had to amputate her legs, she had remained on a ventilator and feeding tube to breathe and eat. Ensuing almost a month of surgeries and complications, the family has made the decision to take her off life support. The other victim, who is now the sole survivor of the crash, has been transferred to a different hospital and is slowly recovering.

The members on the plane had come from San Jose to Southern California to watch their daughters compete in a cheerleading competition. The young girl's got home safely on a school-chartered bus.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by Riverside County Police. They are looking at environmental factors, pilot’s experience, flight records and the overall condition of the plane. The destroyed homes have been red tagged and the other homes have exterior, smoke and fire damage. SERVPRO of Alhambra was asked to help inspect one of the properties at the loss site to identifying the safety issues and pretesting for restorability. 

Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the families of the victims. A GoFundMe page has been established by a family friend to help raise money for the medical bills, travel expenses and funerals.