A tragic plane crash central Illinois claimed the lives of four people on Saturday morning after a single-engine aircraft went down in a rural field near the small community of Trilla.
According to Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers, the victims included two men and two women. Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of their families. Authorities are working to confirm the names and contact next of kin.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the aircraft involved was a Cessna C180G. The plane crashed shortly after 10 a.m., and initial findings suggest it may have struck power lines prior to going down. The aircraft crashed in a field near County Road 1400 N, just southwest of Coles County Memorial Airport and about three miles south of Mattoon.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NTSB are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have cordoned off the area, and part of the nearby roadway has been shut down as investigators examine the wreckage and collect evidence.
Terrible news out of Coles County.
My administration is monitoring the situation as we keep those impacted by the plane crash in our thoughts today.