A former Nascar driver is believed to be among seven people who have died in a plane crash at a regional airport in North Carolina, an official says.
The Cessna C550 aircraft is owned by a private company associated with Greg Biffle, a retired Nascar driver, CBS, the BBC's US partner, reported.
The small aircraft crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:20 local time (15:20GMT), aviation officials investigating the incident told reporters.
Congressman Rich Hudson of North Carolina appeared to confirm Biffle's death on X, writing that he was devastated by the loss of the racer, his wife Christina, and their children.
Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track, Hudson wrote, praising their aid work during hurricanes in North Carolina and Jamaica.
Professional baseball player Mitchell Garret confirmed Biffle and his family were on their way to spend the afternoon with him when the tragedy struck. Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us, he expressed in a Facebook post.
Statesville Airport director John Ferguson reported that the aircraft was a corporate jet and was already engulfed in flames upon his arrival at the scene. The jet had taken off around 10:06 local time before experiencing the crash.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, and the Statesville Airport will remain closed until further notice as crews clear debris from the runway. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation and has dispatched a team to the crash site.
Biffle, known as The Biff, had a racing career that spanned two decades and was recognized as one of Nascar's 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. He won 19 Cup Series races and made significant impacts both on and off the track.
