Fatalities Reported After World War II-Era Plane Crashes In Connecticut

Multiple people were killed when a World War II-era plane crashed at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut on Monday (October 2) morning. The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was returning to the airport after having engine trouble not long after taking off. The pilot requested to make an emergency landing and slid off the runway before crashing into a building and tanks that stored de-icing fluid.

"It sounded like an 18 wheeler coming down the street and then it got louder. Like so loud, it was vibrating things in the house. I looked out the window, and I saw this giant old plane come over the house that was very close, like oddly close to the house," Angela Fletcher, who lives about a half-mile from the airport, told the Hartford Courant.

There were ten passengers and three crew members on the plane. According to the Courant, five people were killed and nine people were hurt in the crash. The injured victims were taken to local area hospitals and authorities believe the death toll will rise.

The airport was immediately closed as first responders rushed to the scene.

The National Transportation Safety Board dispatched a team to the airport to investigate the crash.

The B-17 was part of the "Wings of Freedom Tour" that was taking place at the airport throughout the week. Visitors could purchase tickets to fly in vintage aircraft. The plane was owned by the Collings Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on restoring old aircraft and bringing history to life.