The catastrophe at last week’s air races in Reno has claimed its tenth victim. The St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center announced that a patient in its care had died from injuries related to the fatal plane crash. Nine spectators and the pilot of a downed WW II fighter plane are now counted among the fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the circumstances that led the vintage plane to crash in the middle of a race.
On Sept. 16, the modified P-51 Mustang fighter piloted by Jimmy Leeward, 74, crashed during the last event of the day at the National Championship Air Races. The airplane completed several laps and was in a steep left turn towards the home pylon when it suddenly banked momentarily to the left and then to the right, turning away from the race course, and pitching into a steep climb.
Video of the event showed a piece of the tail section may have fallen off, and the plane then descended almost straight down to the ground near the VIP section of the main grandstand.
In addition to the 10 fatalities, 74 people were treated at various hospitals, with five still listed in serious condition, and one remaining in critical condition.
“Given the nature of the accident, patients were treated for injuries due to both blunt force and penetrating trauma. Common injuries included fractures of the legs, arms, ribs and fingers, head injuries, amputations, abrasions, lacerations, and chemical burns,” St. Mary’s hospital stated.
(Source: Los Angeles Times)
If you or a loved one is injured by a plane crash accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Contact a plane crash lawyer for more information.
