Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, family, and six others killed in fiery plane crash

• Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, several family members, and others died in a business jet crash in western North Carolina
• The Cessna C550 went down while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport amid severe weather
• Authorities have not formally confirmed all identities due to extensive fire damage at the crash site
• Federal investigators from the FAA and NTSB have launched a joint investigation into the incident

Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with members of his immediate family and others on board, died after a business jet crashed and burst into flames in western North Carolina on Thursday, Dec. 18. The fatal incident was confirmed by family members of the victims and by NASCAR.

Local officials said the Cessna C550 went down at around 10:15 a.m. while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County, roughly 40 miles north of Charlotte, reported USA Today.

Airport authorities confirmed that seven individuals were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.

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The North Carolina Highway Patrol stated that Biffle and members of his family are believed to be among those killed.

However, officials explained that formal identification has been delayed because of the intense post-crash fire. Final confirmation is pending results from the medical examiner’s office.

"This is still an active event," said Statesville City Manager Ron Smith during a brief press briefing on Dec. 18.

He later noted that the investigation is "evolving."

Flight-tracking data from FlightAware indicated that the plane was originally headed to Florida but attempted to return to Statesville shortly after takeoff due to severe weather conditions.

Reports said the aircraft was registered to a company associated with Biffle.

Families of the victims identified Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their 5-year-old son Ryder, and Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter Emma among those who died. Also killed were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

In a statement shared on X, loved ones said, "this tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words."

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are jointly investigating the crash, with NTSB personnel expected to arrive at the site on Friday, Dec. 19.

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In a separate incident, a disturbing video that spread widely online captured a tense pursuit between a married couple in Barangay Maragano, Palapag, on the afternoon of December 12. The clip shows the wife chasing her husband through the streets while holding a machete, prompting fear and alarm among nearby residents. The situation was brought under control when two male bystanders intervened, successfully disarming the woman and preventing any injuries. To calm tensions and prevent further conflict, local authorities facilitated an agreement for the couple to temporarily live apart while officials continue to keep watch over their safety.

Meanwhile, an ordinary visit to a salon in Malolos, Bulacan, escalated into a police matter after an Egyptian national allegedly attacked a hairstylist during a haircut. Authorities said the confrontation began after the suspect became angered during a routine consultation, reportedly taking issue with the stylist addressing his wife directly regarding her hair treatment. CCTV footage reportedly shows the man first flicking the stylist’s face before briefly leaving and then returning to slap the worker on the cheek. The hairstylist has since filed a formal complaint, seeking legal action over the alleged assault and inappropriate conduct in the workplace.

Source: KAMI.com.gh