Twelve People Killed After 'skydiving' Plane Crashes In Butler

THIS IS THE SCENE on the northwest corner of the Butler airport of what appears to be a skydive jump plane that went down shortly before noon today. Witnesses say they were traveling southbound on Business 49 when the plane, also southbound, was flying low and suddenly plunged into the ground. It is reported that possibly 12 people were on board as the scene has been secured and the NTSB has been called to investigate. Business 49 remains closed between the Osage Valley ballpark and TT highway. — Witnesses say the plane, was flying low and suddenly plunged into the ground.
(Picture: Mid America News-Review)

Around 11 skydivers and their pilot have ‘perished’ in a plane crash close to a rural airport.

Witnesses said they saw the plane, believed to be carrying skydivers, flying low before suddenly plunging into the ground close to the Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri on Sunday.

A Bates County Emergency Management said just before 11.30am, a private plane leaving the Butler Memorial Airport turned around for an unknown reason before crashing next to the Business 49 Highway.

The flaming wreckage of the plane can be seen from the highway which has been closed by police.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said: ‘At ‌this ⁠time reports indicate all occupants (12 total) have perished.’

Butler is about 60 ⁠miles south of Kansas City, Missouri.

This is a breaking news story… More to follow…