A Minnesota couple, Kenneth Tobacman and Mary Butler, recently experienced a harrowing incident when a plane crashed into their home in Brooklyn Park. The couple shared their terrifying experience on Good Morning America, recounting the moment when their house was engulfed in flames after the plane struck on March 29. Tobacman described hearing a sudden ‘big boom,’ seeing lights go out, and then witnessing a flash, moments before their home caught fire. Fortunately, Butler was outside walking their dog at the time of the crash, which may have saved her life.
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Neighbour Sean Riddler, who rushed to assist Tobacman during the chaotic event, described how the house was already on fire within seconds of impact, leading to the entire property being engulfed in flames shortly after. While the couple managed to escape without injuries, it was a tragic story for those on board the plane, which reportedly had no survivors. The aircraft, registered to U.S. Bank’s Vice Chair Terry Dolan, had departed from Des Moines International Airport in Iowa and was destined for Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis.
U.S. Bank released a statement expressing their belief that Dolan was onboard the ill-fated plane. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that initial information suggests only one person was on the aircraft, with further details on the crash expected in the final report, possibly within the next 12-24 months. The investigation into the identity of the individual(s) onboard is ongoing, with efforts by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office to accurately identify any fatalities.
In interviews following the incident, Tobacman and Butler revealed the emotional toll of losing their home, their cat, and the upheaval caused by the crash. Despite the devastation, the couple expressed gratitude for being alive and safe, thanks to the quick actions that spared their lives. The heart-wrenching loss of their pet underscores the tragedy even further, as they adjust to temporary accommodations while processing the trauma of the event.
Butler shared insights into the crash, highlighting the abruptness of the impact and the split-second decisions that may have saved their lives. The resilience and support from the Brooklyn Park community have been crucial for the couple as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster. The outpouring of assistance and compassion from neighbours and local authorities has been a source of comfort for the couple during this challenging period.
As authorities continue to investigate the crash and identify the victims, the community rallies around Tobacman and Butler, offering solace and support as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseeable tragedies that can strike at any moment. Through resilience and community spirit, the couple remains steadfast in their gratitude for survival and the hope for healing in the wake of a devastating event that changed their lives forever.