PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WSAV) – Two individuals were killed in a military aircraft crash near the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, the Chatham County Coroner’s Office confirms.
A Puerto Rico National Guard C-130 crashed in Port Wentworth on Wednesday around 11:30 a.m.
Witnesses say the plane crashed shortly after take off.
The National Guard confirms five people were on board when the aircraft crashed. No further information has been released at this time.
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TRAFFIC:
Highway 21 is shut down due to the crash. Dean Forest and Gulfstream roads are closed to traffic as well.
CSX has shut down all rail traffic in the area.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Due to plane crash @GADeptofTrans will be detouring SR 21 traffic via SR 307, Jimmy Deloach Connector, Sonny Dixon Interchange back onto SR 21 @WSAV @WTGSFOX28 @WJCLNews @SavannahNow pic.twitter.com/ElYtfe5TRR— GDOT Southeast (@GeorgiaDOTSE) May 2, 2018
FLIGHTS:
Flights may be impacted due to the incident. Savannah Airport officials ask you to check with your airline.
Some flights are beginning to be impacted due to an aircraft incident off property. Customers should check with their airline prior to clearing security.— SAV Airport (@fly_SAV) May 2, 2018
SCHOOLS:
Power phone and network services have been shut down at Port Wentworth Elementary and Rice Creek School.
“There are no other direct impacts or threats to our school or students,” a statement from Sheila Blanco with SCCPSS reads. “Teaching and learning continues and staff are safe.”
Blanco says operations will remain on the regular operating schedules.
Crews also responded to a fire near Hunter Army Airfield on Staley Avenue. The fire was extinguished around 12:20 p.m.
According to Savannah Fire, the Staley Avenue fire was not related to the crash.
