A tragic plane crash in Missouri on Sunday morning has left 12 people presumed dead, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol. The aircraft went down near the Butler Memorial Airport, a small regional facility in Bates County.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported, but no survivors have been found. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. Local authorities have cordoned off the area and are working to recover the wreckage.
The crash marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Missouri in recent years. The community of Butler, a small town of about 4,000 residents, is in shock as details continue to emerge.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also been contacted to assist in the probe. Weather conditions at the time of the crash are being examined as a potential factor.
The Missouri Highway Patrol has urged the public to avoid the area and allow investigators to work. This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.