Sioux Falls Plane Crash Victims Identified

UPDATE: The Minnehaha County, SD Coroner has identified the victims of the Christmas plane crash in Sioux Falls as 68-year-olds Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer of Sioux Falls.

UPDATE: Authorities have confirmed a second death after a small plane crashed in a southeast Sioux Falls neighborhood on Christmas Day.

Sioux Falls Police Capt. Loren McManus confirmed a second fatality at a news briefing Wednesday morning. McManus says the two people killed were the only occupants of the single-engine plane that crashed between four homes at about 5 p.m. Tuesday. Authorities say no one on the ground was injured.

Authorities say the debris field spans two to two and a half blocks. They are asking residents in the area to call police if they find any debris.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Division Chief Steve Fessler says residents of two of the four houses that were evacuated following the crash have not returned to their homes.

The National Transportation Safety Board crew is expected on scene sometime Wednesday.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of those who died.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – One person in confirmed dead after a small plane crashed in a southeast Sioux Falls neighborhood on Christmas.

The call came in shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday in the area of E. 49th St. and Birchwood Ave.

Authorities confirm one person aboard the plane died in the crash, they say there may be additional fatalities.

Sioux Falls Police have secured the scene as they continue to investigate.

The National Transportation Safety Board – or NTSB – has been contacted, and a crew is expected on scene Wednesday.

Four houses were damaged when the plane crashed, two of them sustained significant exterior damage.

At least four homes have been evacuated.

“There’s a large debris field associated with the scene, so that’s why we’re securing it for the evening. For the two houses that were struck, I don’t anticipate that the residents will be able to remain in those homes overnight. Red Cross is responding and will assist those families if needed.”

Authorities have not confirmed how many people were aboard the plane.

Sioux Falls Police, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Minnehaha County Sheriff, Paramedics Plus, Xcel Energy, MidAmerican Energy, Airport Authority, Red Cross, Air Guard Fire responded to the scene, they expect to have presence in the area throughout the evening.