Tragic aviation incidents in central Illinois unfolded as a single-engine plane crashed, resulting in the loss of four lives on Saturday. The somber event took place in a rural field near the small, unincorporated community of Trilla.
The Coles County Coroner’s Office, led by Ed Schniers, confirmed the fatalities, comprising two men and two women. However, further personal details of the victims are withheld pending notification of their families.
The ill-fated aircraft, identified as a Cessna C180G, reportedly met its tragic end soon after taking off around 10 a.m. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), initial assessments suggest the plane collided with power lines, which may have contributed to the crash.
In response to the incident, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his condolences via social media. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he stated, “Terrible news out of Coles County,” and assured residents that his administration is closely monitoring developments. The governor also conveyed thoughts and prayers for those affected by this unfortunate accident.