Natchez-Adams County Airport officials had not seen a fatal crash at our facility in more than 20 years &045; but they and area emergency personnel responded swiftly and professionally Saturday to the tragic crash of a single-engine plane from Texas.

Three of the victims, including the pilot, were apparently killed instantly; a fourth passenger was in critical condition at University Medical Center in Jackson Saturday night.

Our hearts go out to all of the families involved in this tragedy, including the family of young Victoria Spiers, who had been visiting her grandparents in Meadville and was picked up at the airport by her mother and some friends.

Over the next several days, investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation and Safety Board will be in town to try to determine what happened and why the plane crashed.

We are grateful that airport personnel, sheriff’s department officials and firefighters responded so quickly.

A plane crash &045; especially one so gruesome &045; is a rarity in our community, but the emergency responders did their job carefully. We know they, too, are grieving today for victims they never even knew. A tragedy involving children can be especially difficult, even for those who encounter it every day.

The Adams County Red Cross chapter was also on the scene quickly, ready to provide support and assistance to those who were working to help the victims.

We are proud to live in a community of such caring professionals.

Our prayers are with the victims and their families as they struggle to understand this tragedy.