LITCHFIELD, Maine — Crews responded Tuesday to a report of a plane crash and explosion in Litchfield.
A spokesperson with the Federal Aviation Administration told NEWS CENTER Maine that a twin-engine Beechcraft BE99 crashed in a field in Litchfield at approximately 5:45 p.m. Two people were reportedly on board.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will be leading the investigation into the crash.
A portion of Oak Hill Road in Litchfield closed at the intersection of Gustin Road while crews respond to the scene.
The Gardiner Fire Department told NEWS CENTER Maine it sent crews in that direction, but no additional information was provided. Litchfield crews responded to the crash at approximately 5:43 p.m., the Litchfield Fire Department told NEWS CENTER Maine.
The Maine State Police was assisting the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office in the response, according to the news release shared by Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss.
Mike Albert, a nearby resident, said he was out on his boat when he heard a loud bang. His friends who were golfing saw the plane take a nose dive and heard a loud bang, Albert added.
"Today we heard a loud bang, not sure what it was," Albert said. "Called a friend on the top of Oak Hill on the road where it happened and he went out and talked to people who closed the road and he confirmed it was a plane crash and they were looking for the wreckage."
A source who did not want to be identified told NEWS CENTER Maine they heard the crash just before 6 p.m. while at the Meadows Golf Course nearby. Golfers reportedly heard a motor running, get louder, then a loud boom.
This story is developing and will be updated as information becomes available.
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