All 11 people aboard Kenmore plane that crashed off Sucia Island accounted for; 1 critically injured
All 11 people on board a Kenmore Air plane that crashed off Sucia Island on Thursday evening are accounted for. The aircraft departed from Lake Union and was en route to Roche Harbor when the incident occurred around 5:15 p.m.
Local authorities report that one person sustained critical injuries. Other survivors are being treated for various injuries including broken bones, head trauma, and lacerations. Four individuals were transported to medical facilities in Bellingham and on Orcas Island for treatment.
Footage from the scene shows the aircraft attempting a shaky landing before it crashed and ignited. Despite the fire, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office confirmed that none of the passengers or the pilot suffered burn injuries.
Emergency crews from Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez Islands responded to the site alongside the United States Coast Guard. An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway. Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel stated that the company is cooperating with authorities and focusing on the care of those affected.