Small plane crashes onto busy New York area interstate

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HARDING, N.J.—A small plane crashed Tuesday on one of the New York City area's busiest highways, apparently spiraling out of control before hitting the median strip and exploding.

There was no official word on injuries from the crash on Interstate 287 in Harding, N.J. State Police Trooper Christopher Kay said there was a report of three possible deaths but could not confirm it.

The Socata TBM-700 single-engine turboprop had departed from nearby Teterboro Airport when it disappeared from radar, said FAA spokesman Jim Peters.

Witnesses reported the plane spiraling out of control and losing pieces before hitting the ground and exploding.

The right wing appeared to break off as it went down, according to Shona Sternberg of Hillsborough, who told The Star-Ledger of Newark that she was about three cars behind the crash site.

Helicopter footage from News 12 New Jersey showed charred wreckage, and state police said the highway was closed in both directions.

Interstate 287 is a heavily used route that wraps around the northern and western edges of the New York City area.