Neighbors Use Sledgehammer to Free Passengers, Pilot After Small Plane Crashes into Tree: ‘Nothing Short of Heroic’

Florida Neighbors Brave Small Plane Crash to Rescue Passengers and Pilot

In a heroic act of kindness and bravery, neighbours in a Florida residential area rushed to the aid of passengers and a pilot after a small plane crash. The incident took place in Pembroke Pines, leaving debris scattered across the front lawn of a home. The crash occurred as the plane was reportedly attempting to land at a nearby airport, resulting in four people being injured.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Cessna Skymaster carrying four individuals crashed in the Pines Village neighbourhood around 8:10 p.m. local time. The pilot, 58-year-old Carlos Balza Cardenas, from Weston, along with three passengers, found themselves trapped inside the aircraft after it caught fire post-impact.

Quick-thinking neighbours sprang into action, using a sledgehammer to break open the windows of the plane while others sprayed water to douse the flames. The harrowing 911 calls released later captured the intense moments as good Samaritans tried to rescue the individuals trapped inside the burning plane.

One of the passengers, 54-year-old Fancly Maurette, suffered injuries that pinned her legs due to the crash impact. The rescue efforts were further complicated as Antoinette Proffitt, a nearby resident, described the challenges in freeing one of the passengers from the wreckage.

Witnesses reported the heart-wrenching screams coming from two teenage passengers, 16-year-old Carol Balza and 13-year-old Nicole Balza, who were seated in the second row of the plane during the crash. The community rallied together, with neighbours working tirelessly to free the family members from the wreckage.

Upon rescue, the four survivors were rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood for medical treatment. Despite the terrifying ordeal, they sustained only minor injuries, as confirmed by the Pembroke Pines Police Department. Mayor Angelo Castillo hailed the efforts of the neighbours, calling their actions “nothing short of heroic.”

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation into the crash to determine the cause of the accident. The wreckage has been cleared from the crash site, and the authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the terrifying incident.

In times of crisis, the true spirit of community shines through, exemplified by the selfless acts of the neighbours who risked their own safety to save the lives of those in need. The bravery and quick response displayed by these individuals are a reminder of the unwavering resilience and compassion that bind communities together in the face of adversity.