Small Plane Crash Near Denver Airport Kills Two, Ignites Fire

A Beechcraft BE35 small plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Centennial Airport in suburban Denver, Colorado, killing both people onboard. The crash occurred in the parking lot of an industrial office park, igniting a fire that threatened nearby buildings and diesel-powered generators, but firefighters quickly contained the blaze without damage to the structures. Air traffic control audio revealed the plane was cleared for takeoff moments before going down, and another pilot reported smoke from the crash site. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, the FAA, and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident, with the NTSB leading the inquiry. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and no injuries were reported on the ground. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing a large fireball at the site.