According to media reports — A plane owned by a prominent Indian-origin cardiologist has crashed in the US state of California, killing two persons, along with the physician, and causing a major fire that enveloped nearby homes and left massive destruction.
Dr.Sugata Das, who was associated with an Interventional Cardiologist at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Arizona, owned the twin-engine Cessna C340 aircraft, media reports mentioned.
Although there’s no confirmation about Das being the pilot at the time of the crash on Monday, KYMA.com, a CBS/NBC-affiliated TV station, reported on Tuesday.
“We are deeply saddened to hear news of a plane owned by local cardiologist Sugata Das, which crashed near Santee (California),” YRMC’s Chief Medical Officer Bharat Magu stated.
“As an outstanding cardiologist and dedicated family man, Das leaves a lasting legacy. We extend our prayers and support to his family, colleagues, and friends during this difficult time,” Mr. Magu said for the Indian- origin doctor, who was born in Pune.
The crash happened near Santana High School in Santee, a suburb of some 50,000 people, seemed to have sparked a fire that burned at least two homes, damaged five others and multiple vehicles, but firefighters who responded to the call were able to put out the blaze before it engulfed other houses.
Another person who was killed was a UPS worker and he was on the ground. United Parcel Service of America Inc. confirmed that one of its employees had died during the plane crash. Dr. Sugata Das owned the twin-engine Cessna C340 aircraft.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our employee, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We also send our condolences for the other individuals who are involved in this incident, and their families and friends.” KXTV, an ABC affiliate, reported a statement issued by the UPS.
The City of Santee mentioned that including the two fatalities, two other victims had been shifted to a hospital in unknown condition. Debris litters a block-long area, and power in the neighborhood has been disconnected.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane had crashed around 12:15 p.m. on Monday.
