Introduction to the Crash
A driver who was nearly struck by a small plane as it crashed in Boca Raton Friday morning, killing the three people on board, said he’s lucky to be alive.
The Driver’s Account
Pablo Tafur said he was driving to work near Military Trail and Glades Road when the plane fell out of the sky. "I saw the plane fly low and continued through and next thing I know it’s on top, right in front of me and exploded, impacted right in front of my car and it crashed, I tried to steer out of the way but it was pretty much unavoidable," Tafur said. "Got out of the car that was on fire, through the flames, and made it to safety."
Attempt to Help Victims
Tafur, who said he had first aid training from the Army, said he tried to help the victims. "I got out of the car and ran back and tried to help but there was nothing left to help, no one left," he said.
Details of the Crash
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane, a Cessna 310 carrying three people, went down around 10:20 a.m. after departing from Boca Raton Airport. Boca Raton Fire Officials said there were reports that the plane was having mechanical issues before the crash. All three people on board were killed, officials said.
Aftermath of the Crash
Images from the scene showed Tafur’s car badly burned amid the plane’s wreckage. Tafur, who was sporting a bandage on his arm after the ordeal, said it was shocking to witness. "It’s the sound, kind of like a Kamikaze, world war plane, flying right next to me and then looking at the plane impact on the road and flames just, metal shrapnel everywhere and fire, just everywhere I looked there was fire," he said.
Reaction from the Driver’s Family
Tafur’s mom, Paula, hugged her son extra tight and said she’s grateful he made it through alive. "We go about our days and our life without realizing we may not come back home. We take life and people for granted," she said. "Thank God that he was watching over him along with his angels and knowing that today wasn’t his day."
Investigation
The crash will be investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Conclusion
The plane crash in Boca Raton serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. For Pablo Tafur, it was a harrowing experience that he will never forget, and for his family, a grateful reminder of the fragility of life.
FAQs
- What type of plane was involved in the crash? A Cessna 310.
- How many people were on board the plane? Three people.
- What were the reported issues with the plane before the crash? Mechanical issues.
- Who will investigate the crash? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
