Three injured following plane crash near Hilo airport

A single-engine Cessna crashed Tuesday afternoon shortly after taking off from Hilo International Airport.

The single-engine Cessna 172 crashed under unknown circumstances shortly after taking off around 1:50 p.m. Tuesday, FAA Pacific Division Public Affairs Manager Ian Gregor tells West Hawaii Today.

He said three people on board were transported to Hilo Medical Center, according to local authorities. Their conditions are unknown at time time.

The Hawaii County Fire Department said the three injured including a pilot and two passengers who were extricated from the plane by State Airport Fire Rescue personnel.

The FAA and NTSB will investigate, Gregor said.