Forty-nine people were killed in a plane crash in Clarence Center late Thursday night. Continental Airlines flight 3407 crashed into a house at 6050 Long Road at approximately 10:20 p.m. en route to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
The prop plane hit the house, causing it to burst into flames, resulting in serious structural damage. At 12:42 a.m. Friday morning, the fire was still burning, but was reported under control.
All on board were reportedly killed, including 44 passengers and four crewmembers. One person on the ground was also killed. The residents of the home were taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.
At a press conference early Friday morning, Dave Bissonette, emergency coordinator for the Town of Clarence, reported that the aircraft was still burning and that multiple fatalities were expected.
"This is a long term event... a long-term investigation is eminent," Bissonette said. "This is not a rescue effort."
The plane was expected to land at approximately 10:25 p.m.
Little communication was registered from the plane prior to the crash, Bissonette said. No firefighters were reported as injured as of 12:55 a.m.
Bissonette said there was a HAZMAT concern due to a large amount of jet fuel on the ground, but has been ruled as a nonissue since.
Approximately 12 homes were evacuated, according to Erie County Executive Chris Collins.
The plane, operated by Colgan Air, was reported to be a 74-sear bombardier that was not filled to capacity. Families of passengers were told to call 1-800-621-3263 for assistance.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
