Former NASCAR Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr Survives a Plane Crash

Published 08/16/2019, 7:38 AM EDT

Retired NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., along with his family, survived a plane crash in the United States of America.

The 44-year old is understood to have escaped any serious injury after the plane carrying him and his family caught fire when landing at Elizabethton Municipal Airport in Tennessee.

According to Sky Sports, Earnhardt Jr was travelling with his wife and 15-month-old daughter, two pilots and the family’s dog.

Article continues below this ad

NEW: Video shows thick, black smoke rising from the site of a small plane crash that was carrying Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and his family. Everyone on board, including Earnhardt, escaped the wreck, said the local sheriff. https://t.co/2nqljR6C5C pic.twitter.com/noizctpZVk
— ABC News (@ABC) August 15, 2019

As reported by local new channel WJHL, Earnhardt was treated for minor injuries that were described as cuts and abrasions.

Earnhardt’s sister Kelly Earnhardt later tweeted assuring the safety of everyone involved in the crash.

“I can confirm Dale, Amy & Isla along with his two pilots were involved in a crash in Bristol TN this afternoon. Everyone is safe and has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. We have no further information at this time. Thank you for your understanding,” the tweet read.

Elizabthton fire chief addressed the press after the incident .

He said, “It’s calmed down a lot now. We had fire burning with fuel run off, but that’s pretty much burned itself out. What we could put out we got out and we are just protecting the environment right now.”

“If the fence had blocked the exit that could have been really bad,” Carrier said during the evening news conference. “They were very lucky.”

According to CNN, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a Cessna Citation rolled off the end of a runway and caught fire after landing. It said it received no reports of injuries.

The FAA said two pilots and three passengers were aboard.

Carrier said that the occupants of the flight were already out when the fire department arrived.

“When our first unit arrived, there were heavy flames coming from the airplane,” Carrier said. The fire burned for 20 minutes.

When a reporter asked about Earnhardt’s condition, the fire chief noted, “He was having a little bit of trouble. They transported him non-emergency.”

Earnhardt Jr.- a part of NBC broadcasting team-

Earnhardt Jr., the son of late NASCAR Hall of Fame member Dale Earnhardt Sr, was one of extremely well known during his racing days.

Two-time Dayotna 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the “most popular driver” for 15 consecutive times from 2003 to 2017, after which he retired.

Article continues below this ad

After retiring as a full-time driver, Earnhardt started a career in broadcasting and was part of NBC’s scheduled broadcast team for Saturday’s Cup Series event in Bristol, Tennessee.

“We’re incredibly grateful that Dale, his wife Amy, daughter Isla, and the two pilots are safe following today’s accident,” NBC Sports said in a statement.

Article continues below this ad

“After being discharged from the hospital, we communicated with Dale and his team, and we’re all in agreement that he should take this weekend off to be with his family.

“We look forward to having him back in the booth next month at Darlington.”

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by: