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News Topical, Digital Desk : North Dakota State Representative Liz Conmee and pilot Joe Cass were killed when the small plane they were travelling in hit the ground and caught fire shortly after takeoff in Minneapolis, US, on Saturday.
The accident occurred in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where the plane went down and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport. Liz Conmee, 58, was a Fargo resident. She was a mother of four and had been serving as a state representative since 2023. She was seeking a second term.
The cause of the crash is not yet known. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that two people were on board. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident.
How did the incident happen?
The plane was a Beech F33A model, carrying just two people. The accident occurred just before noon. North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong said, “Khersti and I are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow legislators.”
The North Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party posted on Twitter that they were "utterly devastated and heartbroken." The party called Liz Conmey's death a profound loss for the state.
The party, which is affiliated with the national Democratic Party, remembered her as a former farmer and Minnesota State University teacher. As a legislator, she spoke strongly on issues of public education, the environment, and transparency.
What did the neighbors at the accident site say?
During the crash, the plane burst into flames as it struck the ground. The incident occurred in a residential area. Local resident Ashley Capps said, "I was in my bedroom at home, and my daughter was eating cereal at the kitchen table. Suddenly, there was a very loud explosion."
Another neighbor, Kim Clark, said there was a huge fire. People started calling 911. Some went closer to see if anyone was alive, but then sparks started flying and the fire got stronger.
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