Seven people died in a crash between two light
planes on Friday morning over Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, authorities
said.
The crash was first reported around 8:30 am (1630 GMT) near the city
of Soldotna, some 100 kilometres south-west of Anchorage the Alaska
Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
"One plane had a single occupant and the other aircraft had six
people onboard. All but one person was deceased on scene however, the
initial survivor succumbed to injuries during transport to the local
hospital," the statement said.
The sole occupant of one of the planes was 67-year-old state
legislator Gary Knopp, authorities said. Four of the other victims
were in their mid-20s.
"The First Lady and I were heartbroken to learn of the accident above
Soldotna today, and our deepest sympathies go out to the families
mourning these untimely deaths," Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said
in a statement.
"I can assure them that investigators will have the State's full
cooperation as they begin to unravel this morning's tragic events."
Wreckage the midair collision seen in the woods near the Sterling Highway and Mayoni Street in Soldotna. Picture courtesy of Anchorage Daily News