Plane Crashes Into Oregon Townhouses, 3 Dead

A small plane crash claimed three lives and ignited several townhouses east of Portland, Oregon, on Saturday morning. Authorities reported the twin-engine Cessna 421C went down near the Troutdale Airport around 10:30am, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The crash resulted in at least one home engulfed in flames and black smoke pouring from adjoining houses, displacing six families. Officials said there were two people on the plane, and that at least one resident had not been accounted for.

Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis indicated that the blaze spread to four homes. Two individuals received treatment, though the extent of their injuries was undisclosed. The crash caused a secondary brush fire after toppling a pole and power lines. "There was no mayday, no call for emergency," said Lewis, noting that the first report of the fire came from Troutdale Airport's control tower staff.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, with two investigators examining the wreckage in Fairview, a city of about 10,000 people. The initial cause remains unclear. Troutdale Airport, described as a "flight training and recreational airport" on the Port of Portland website, continues to operate. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)