Former NASCAR driver and family among seven dead in plane crash

Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family are among seven people killed in a plane crash at a North Carolina airport.

The Cessna C550 business jet erupted into flames when it hit the ground while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport, around 45 miles north of Charlotte, shortly after 10am local time (3pm UK time) on Thursday. According to flight tracking data, the plane had taken off from the airport and was bound for Florida, but returned within minutes.

In a statement, NASCAR said it was "devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma [and] son Ryder". It named the other three people who died as Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton, all "beloved by many in the NASCAR community".

The statement continued: "Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. "His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport." Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR's three circuits, including 19 at the top-level Cup Series.

"Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community," the NASCAR statement continued. "Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene.

His tireless work saved lives." Biffle piloted his personal helicopter to help deliver aid to hard-hit communities after the hurricane in 2024. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg's entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life," the statement concluded.

State police said earlier: "Although the post-crash fire prevents us from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time, it is believed that Mr Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane." Footage from local news channel WSOC-TV showed emergency workers rushing on to the runway as flames burned near the wreckage. Airport director John Ferguson said: "The airport now is closed until further notice.

It will take some time to get the debris off the runway." More US news:New Epstein pictures releasedWhite House plaques attack ex-presidents The airport's website says it offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams. The Federal Aviation Administration said the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the crash..