A small aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft Bonanza, crashed on Sunday, March 9, in a retirement community located in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania. According to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred around 3:18 p.m., near the intersection of Fairview Drive and Meadowview Court.

Details of the Incident

The flight departed from Lancaster Airport with a total of five individuals on board, making it one of the six seats available on the plane. Fortunately, no residents of the Brethren Village Retirement Community were injured during the crash.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, with multiple crews dispatched for assistance. All five passengers were taken to local hospitals due to various injuries sustained during the crash.

Response and Impact

In the aftermath of the incident, Manheim Township Fire Chief Scott Little confirmed that structural damage to the retirement facility was minimal. However, at least five vehicles nearby caught fire as a result of the crash.

Local traffic was significantly affected, with Route 501 being closed in both directions for safety and to allow crews to manage the situation effectively.

Official Statements

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has assured the public that state resources are being utilized to support local first responders. “All Commonwealth resources are available as the response continues, and more information will be provided as it becomes available,” the governor stated on social media.

The FAA has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, and further updates will be provided as details emerge.

What’s Next?

As the investigation proceeds, there are currently no updates on the extent of the injuries sustained by the passengers. Authorities are working to gather more information regarding the events leading up to the crash.