“Devastation in the Skies: Plane Crash at 5:24 PM in Waterboro Claims Lives of Rising Football Stars
A devastating plane crash near Waterboro on Wednesday evening has left the local community in mourning after a small charter aircraft carrying a group of promising young football players went down in a wooded area just outside the town. Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities, with early reports indicating that the entire roster of a regional semi-professional football team was on board.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft—a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron—took off from Portland International Jetport at approximately 5:03 PM, en route to New York for an exhibition game scheduled the following day. Just 21 minutes into the flight, radio contact was lost. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing a sputtering engine followed by a loud crash and a plume of smoke rising from the forested hills southeast of Waterboro.
Emergency response teams, including local firefighters, EMTs, and state troopers, were on the scene within 15 minutes. “It was chaos when we got there,” said Waterboro Fire Chief Lisa Jensen. “The wreckage was still smoldering. We tried everything we could, but there were no signs of life among the passengers.”
The crash claimed the lives of all 11 people aboard, including 8 players from the New England Knights football club, their head coach, a team assistant, and the pilot. The names of the victims are being withheld until family members are notified.
The New England Knights, a rising force in the Northeast Football League, were widely regarded as one of the most promising teams in the region, having won 12 of their last 14 games. Fans and teammates are stunned by the loss.
“I can’t believe this,” said Marcus Owens, a linebacker who had missed the trip due to an injury. “These were my brothers. We trained together every day. I just… I don’t even know what to say.”
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched investigations into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that mechanical failure may have played a role, though weather conditions at the time were reportedly clear and favorable for flying.
The town of Waterboro has declared a day of mourning, with flags lowered to half-staff and candlelight vigils already beginning to form outside the local high school, where many of the athletes once played. Grief counselors have been dispatched to help students, fans, and family members cope with the tragedy.
Governor Elaine Marks issued a statement late Wednesday night, calling the accident “an unthinkable loss for the entire state of Maine.” She added that her office would provide resources for affected families and support for the ongoing investigation.
As tributes pour in from across the country, the legacy of the New England Knights will be remembered not just for their talent on the field, but for the camaraderie and spirit they brought to every game.
“This is a dark day,” said Coach Greg Timmons from a rival team. “Football lost more than players today. We lost role models, teammates, and friends.”
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