Plane crash false alarm prompts multi-agency response

DEEP GAP — Multiple agencies responded to the area of U.S. 421 and U.S. 221 for reports of a possible plane crash Wednesday morning, which turned out to be unfounded.

According to the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department, emergency personnel were dispatched just after 9 a.m. to the U.S. 421 and 221 intersection for a possible plane crash.

Multiple 911 callers believed they saw a small aircraft possibly on fire and crash in this wooded area, according to the department. Emergency personnel checked multiple locations and roadways and made contact with civilian and military air resources, but no crash site or hazards were found, and no aircraft were reported to be in distress, according to the department.

Deep Gap stated on its Facebook page that, after talking with callers, they believed they saw a plane go over a ridge or hill and assumed it crashed and that reports of it "being on fire" were possible exhaust coming from the aircraft.

The agencies who responded with Deep Gap VFD included Watauga County Emergency Services, Watauga County Rescue Squad, NC State Highway Patrol, Watauga County Sheriff's Office, Watauga Medics, and Ashe County Sheriff's Office.

After the incident, WCES posted pointers for the community when calling 911:

If possible, stop. You have a particular vantage point that is valuable to the first responders heading your way. You can point exactly where you saw the incident occur, and while it's not often seeing a plane go below the horizon, vehicles may often run off the roadway and be difficult to see from the road itself. WCES stated they know it can be an inconvenience, but it saves valuable time and could save a life.Be observant. Yes, calling 911 is incredibly important, but emergency service personnel will have follow-up questions. Where are you and what did you see are basic questions many callers can't answer. Please report the emergency, but also take a moment to gather your thoughts on what you are reporting.Be patient. Emergency resources are sent concurrently to ask you questions. WCES stated they know it's a stressful time; it very well may be the worst day of your life, and any information 911 dispatchers can give to supplement the response not only may reduce the time it takes to get resources there but also ensure the right resources are coming to you.

For more information on WCES, visit tinyurl.com/yzewcszs.