Skydiving plane crashes near Cross Keys Airport in New Jersey

A skydiving plane carrying 15 people crashed during takeoff near Cross Keys Airport in Monroe Township, New Jersey, injuring at least five. The FAA is investigating the crash.

In Short

• All passengers were hospitalised with injuries ranging from minor to severe
• Three in trauma centre, eight in emergency, four under evaluation
• FAA investigating; public asked to avoid crash area

All 15 people aboard a skydiving plane were taken to the hospital after it crashed near Cross Keys Airport in Monroe Township, New Jersey, on Wednesday evening. The Cessna 208B aircraft went off the runway during takeoff around 5:30 pm, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Gloucester County Emergency Management reported injuries ranging from minor to severe, and said the pilot was still being extricated from the wreckage.

Aerial footage showed the crashed plane in a wooded area near Cross Keys Airport, surrounded by debris and emergency vehicles, including firetrucks.

According to hospital spokesperson Wendy A Marano, three people are being treated at Cooper University Hospital’s trauma center in Camden, while eight others with less serious injuries are receiving care in the emergency department.

Four additional individuals with minor injuries are awaiting further evaluation. Marano said EMS and trauma teams from the hospital had responded to the crash site but did not disclose the specific nature of the injuries.

According to the Associated Press, a person answering the phone at Cross Keys Airport on Wednesday said they had no details to share and directed all inquiries to Skydive Cross Keys, the commercial skydiving company based at the site. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the crash.

Gloucester County Emergency Management requested the public through Facebook to stay clear of the area to ensure emergency vehicles could reach the crash site without obstruction.

- Ends