3 dead after small plane crashes into home near Detroit

DETROIT – Three people died when a small plane crashed into a house in Lyon Township, located outside Detroit, on Saturday afternoon, causing the home to catch fire, the Oakland County, Michigan Sheriff's Office said.

All residents made it out of the home alive. The fatalities are believed to be the occupants and the pilot of the plane, according to the sheriff's office. 

The incident occurred just north of Oakland/Southwest Airport. 

Neighbors told The (Detroit) Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, they rushed to the house after the crash and helped the victims escape. 

The crash and fire caused extensive damage to the home. The plane was on the ground, protruding from the home and covered with a tarp Saturday evening. 

A neighboring house was also damaged in the crash. 

Authorities say multiple agencies responded to the scene and they asked people to avoid the area. 

Follow Omar Abdel-Baqui on Twitter @omarabdelb