Video above: WFLA’s JB Biunno and Meteorologist Eric Stone answer questions ahead of Hurricane Milton.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. ( WFLA ) — A plane carrying passengers evacuating from Hurricane Milton crashed near the southeast corner of the St. Pete Pier Tuesday morning, according to police.
Officers in St. Petersburg, Florida, said the small private plane crashed around 10:52 a.m. due to engine failure immediately after takeoff from the Albert Whitted Airport.
After crashing, the plane became fully submerged in the water.
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All four of the passengers on board, including a dog, were rescued by the police department in a small boat. Three of the passengers were treated on scene and transported to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Fearful residents streamed out of the Tampa Bay region Tuesday ahead of what could be a once-in-a-century direct hit from Hurricane Milton.