TWO ESCAPE WITH MINOR INJURIES AFTER PLANE CRASH NEAR PADDY’S POND

(Aug. 22)

Two people sustained minor injuries after a small plane crashed in a wooded area near Paddy’s Pond Saturday evening, prompting a large emergency response along the Trans-Canada Highway.

The aircraft appeared to have come down in the trees near the westbound side of the highway, just west of Akita Equipment. Officials described it only as a small plane, and no further details about the aircraft have been released.

Paddy’s Pond is commonly used by float planes, and another float plane was seen circling the area as first responders began arriving. That aircraft later landed as the response continued.

St. John’s Regional Fire Department, the RNC, RCMP and Rovers Search and Rescue all responded to the scene. A helicopter was also seen in the area and appeared to land near the crash site before later travelling to a nearby helipad, where an ambulance was waiting.

At least one of the two occupants appeared to have been transported from the crash area to the awaiting ambulance by helicopter.

Police closed the westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway at approximately 8:00 p.m. to allow crews to work safely in the area. Rovers Search and Rescue later established a command area near Akita Equipment as the work continued.

The highway reopened at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Officials confirmed that both occupants sustained injuries described as minor. The cause of the crash and the circumstances leading up to it have not been released.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.