(Update) CNN: Texas pilot torched house, crashed plane


A small plane has crashed into a seven story building in Austin, Texas.

The crash occurred at around 10 a.m. local time at the Echleon building in the 9400 block of Research Boulevard, near U.S. 183 and MoPac. Roads have been blocked off in the surrounding area and smoke was seen billowing from the two alarm fire as rescue workers attempted to evacuate the building. Initial reports that an FBI field office operated out of the building turned out to be inaccurate.

We will update this story as information becomes available. You can watch streaming video of the scene here.

Update: CNN is reporting two people have been transported to local hospitals, one is “unaccounted for,” and that some locations in the area have lost power.

Update 2: The impact and the bulk of damage appears to center around the second floor of the building.

Update 3: The building is located at 9430 Research Boulevard in Austin.

Update 4: CNN is reporting the plane departed Georgetown Airport near Austin at 9:48 a.m. local time. No information is available about who or how many people were onboard the plane.

Update 5: CNN (TV) is reporting that the pilot flying the plane intentionally burned his own house down before stealing the plane and crashing it into the building in Northwest Austin.

Update 6: The pilot’s name is Joseph Andrew Stack, according to KXAN in Texas.

Update 7: CNN now says Stack owned the plane.

Update 8: The person originally reported as unaccounted for still remains missing. Police can not confirm the identity or suspected location of the person. (12:37 p.m. Austin time.)

Update 9: Austin police spokesperson on CNN will not confirm or deny reports that the pilot was targeting the IRS. Witnesses or those with information are being asked to call 210-650-6196. Power has been restored in the area of the crash.

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