3 people, over 50 rescue dogs OK after plane crash lands in Wisconsin

Plane crash
A plane that crashed in Pewaukee, Wis., was carrying three people and over 50 rescue dogs. Minor injuries were reported, but none of the injuries were expected to be life threatening. Photo credit Waukesha County Humane Animal Welfare Society

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Three adults and over 50 rescue dogs were aboard a twin engine airplane when it crashed onto Western Lakes Golf Club in Pewaukee, Wis.

Lake Country Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Matthew Haerter said there was a significant fuel spill.

“Because of the wings being removed from the aircraft during the crash, we have approximately 300 gallons of jet fuel that actually went into the ground, and also a marsh,” he said.

The people on the plane had minor injuries and are expected to be OK. The same goes for the 56 rescue dogs, who were being transported from New Orleans to shelters in Wisconsin.

Rescue dog
One of the rescue dogs, safely off of the plane. Photo credit Waukesha County Humane Animal Welfare Society

Members of  Waukesha County’s Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), who were planning to pick up the dogs upon landing, were quickly on the scene.

“We have a number of dogs that are now going back to HAWS to be triaged, and our medical team was on the ground here and is on the ground at the shelter right now to help these dogs,” said Maggie Tate-Techtmann, HAWS’ director of organizational development.

Waukesha County Humane Animal Welfare Society
The dozens of rescue dogs who made it to Wisconsin are now settling in on solid ground at the Waukesha County Humane Animal Welfare Society. Photo credit Waukesha County Humane Animal Welfare Society

Tate-Techtmann said the dogs will be available for adoption in the coming days, "as soon as they are ready for that."

HAWS has started a fundraiser on Facebook to help cover any unexpected medical or other costs that result from Tuesday’s plane crash.

As of 5 p.m., HAWS had raised $1,930 toward its goal of $5,000.

The cause of the crash is now under investigation.

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!

Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured Image Photo Credit: Waukesha County Humane Animal Welfare Society