14 Injured When Skydiving Plane Crashes In South Jersey

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ — More than a dozen people were injured Wednesday evening when a skydiving plane crashed in Gloucester County, according to officials.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the crash happened around 5:30 p.m. when a Cessna 208B went off the end of the runway while departing Cross Keys Airport in Monroe Township. Fifteen people were on board the plane when the crash occurred.

Andrew Halter with the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management said during a news conference that the plane was trying to ascend before it crashed into a wooded area. He said the pilot had reported engine trouble before the crash and was attempting to return to the airport.

Officials said the plane sustained heavy damage in the crash and many of the passengers were covered in jet fuel.

"Patients were decontaminated prior to being transported to the hospital," Halter said.

According to officials, 14 people suffered injuries in the crash and were taken to either Cooper Hospital or Inspira Hospital. Three people were listed in critical condition, officials said.

The plane was owned by Arne Aviation LLC and was leased to Skydive Cross Keys in Gloucester County.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

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