At approximately 12:35 p.m., a distressing incident unfolded on North Park Road in Hollywood when a single-engine yellow Piper PA25-235 plane crashed. Witnesses immediately called 911 to report the incident. One caller described the crash location in front of Target and expressed concern about the possibility of an explosion.
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The dispatcher assured the caller that help was on the way and quickly dispatched crews from Station 31 to the scene. The witness, while uncertain about the fate of the occupants, mentioned hearing a loud boom and witnessing the plane immediately engulfed in flames upon impact. The caller was unsure if anyone had survived the crash due to the intensity of the fire.
Additional calls reported the crash at 3325 Hollywood Boulevard, emphasizing that the plane had crashed in front of the Wells Fargo Bank and was already on fire. Concerns were raised about the potential danger, with one caller describing the flames as “huge.”
As emergency services responded to the incident, further details were gathered. The dispatcher asked about the size of the plane, inquiring whether it was a small or large aircraft. Witnesses confirmed it was a small yellow plane, but details about its specific type were unclear.
The witnesses, safe in their locations, provided information about the ongoing fire and observed the arrival of the fire department and police on the scene. The dispatcher maintained communication with callers, ensuring their safety and instructing them on what to do next.
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Despite the prompt response from emergency services, the tragic outcome was revealed later. The pilot, identified as 28-year-old Mitchell Naous, lost his life in the crash. Naous had recently moved to South Florida and had limited experience with the specific type of banner plane involved in the incident. The aircraft belonged to Aerial Banners, an advertising company previously linked to multiple crashes and emergency landings.
@911insights2 Piper PA25 235 crashed on North Park Street in Hollywood-Part 1 #police #911 #911calls #cops #foryou #foryoupage #emergency ♬ original sound - 911insights
The incident underscored the inherent risks associated with banner plane operations, bringing attention to the need for stringent safety measures in the aviation industry.
@911insights2 Piper PA25 235 crashed on North Park Street in Hollywood-Part 2 #police #911 #911calls #cops #foryou #foryoupage #emergency ♬ original sound - 911insights
@911insights2 Piper PA25 235 crashed on North Park Street in Hollywood-Part 3 #police #911 #911calls #cops #emergency #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - 911insights