For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Methuen Police and Fire Departments Respond to Plane Crash into Condo Complex

METHUEN — Mayor Stephen Zanni, Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon and Fire Chief Tim Sheehy report that the Methuen Police and Fire Departments responded to a condo complex this afternoon after a plane crashed into the building, killing the pilot.

At approximately 1 p.m., Methuen Police received a report of plane crash at the Prides Crossing Condominiums located at 1 Riverview Blvd.

Methuen Police and Fire arrived on scene minutes later and found that a single engine, propeller-driven airplane had crashed through the roof of building number 7.

Upon arrival, crews found that the building was on fire. Firefighters were able to make an aggressive attack, putting out the fire and confining most of the damage to the attic and top floor of the complex. The building was equipped with a sprinkler system, which was activated by the crash and fire.

The male pilot, the sole occupant of the plane, was pronounced dead on scene. No occupants in the building were injured.

A total of 34 residents of the 12-unit building, will not be able to return home this evening. The City of Methuen, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army are assisting displaced residents.

Officials determined that the plane was on final approach to land at Lawrence Municipal Airport, where the plane is registered, at the time of the crash.

The Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Airwing Section, the Lawrence Police and Fire Departments, the Salem, N.H. Police and Fire Departments, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Massport, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office all responded to the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration is responding to the scene and will conduct an investigation into how the crash occurred.

Further updates will be provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. 

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