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ONE of the victims in a shocking plane crash in Louisiana was a reporter traveling to watch her father-in-law's team play in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Carley McCord, one of five passengers killed when a twin-engine plane came down on Saturday morning, was flying to the Peach Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma.

Carley McCord was one of five people killed in a plane crash in Louisiana on Saturday
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Carley McCord was one of five people killed in a plane crash in Louisiana on SaturdayCredit: Facebook
McCord was traveling to the Peach Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma. Her father-in-law Steve Ensminger is offensive coordinator for LSU
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McCord was traveling to the Peach Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma. Her father-in-law Steve Ensminger is offensive coordinator for LSUCredit: USA TODAY Sports

McCord's father-in-law Steve Ensminger is offensive coordinator for the LSU Tigers.

Ensminger coached in the game, which was won by LSU 63-28.

Steven Ensminger Jr. confirmed McCord's death, telling the Associated Press: "I just don't feel like this is real."

Steve Ensminger coached in LSU's game against Oklahoma just hours after his daughter-in-law's death
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Steve Ensminger coached in LSU's game against Oklahoma just hours after his daughter-in-law's deathCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Carley McCord was a sports reporter in Louisiana
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Carley McCord was a sports reporter in LouisianaCredit: Instagram
A fireball engulfed the plane after it crashed in a car park
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A fireball engulfed the plane after it crashed in a car parkCredit: @kpel965/Twitter
Flames and smoke fill the air after the jet came down just one mile west of Lafayette Airport
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Flames and smoke fill the air after the jet came down just one mile west of Lafayette Airport

Earlier, Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit confirmed four passengers and the pilot were killed, with one surviving passenger taken to hospital with unknown injuries.

He added that at least three people on the ground were injured and taken to hospital.

Their conditions also remain unknown.

The aircraft took off from Lafayette airport at 9.20am and was headed to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport near Atlanta, Georgia, according to .

Flight N42CV reached a speed of around 192mph and an altitude of 375ft before it crashed, according to the site.

FIREBALL

Initial reports suggest the plane may have hit a power line as it attempted an emergency landing, with the impact blowing out windows.

Witnesses said the jet skidded through the parking lot and a field before being engulfed in a fireball.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the aircraft crashed just one mile west of Lafayette Regional Airport, adding that the cause of the accident was not yet known.

First responders said there were six people on the jet.

People rushed to the scene to help
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People rushed to the scene to help
First responders examine the wreckage near Feu Follet Road and Verot School Road in Lafayette
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First responders examine the wreckage near Feu Follet Road and Verot School Road in LafayetteCredit: AP:Associated Press
The twin-engine plane crashed in a car park in Lafayette, Louisiana
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The twin-engine plane crashed in a car park in Lafayette, LouisianaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Investigators at the site of the crash
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Investigators at the site of the crashCredit: AP:Associated Press
A view of the wreckage near a Walmart and US Post Office building
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A view of the wreckage near a Walmart and US Post Office buildingCredit: AP:Associated Press

Footage from the crash scene shows the wreckage engulfed in flames as thick black smoke filled the air.

Bystanders were seen running towards the burning jet to help those trapped inside.

I knew something was bad. I went in my house, and all you heard was this massive explosion

Kevin Jackson

The impact of the crash has left businesses and homes in the area without power.

Local resident Kevin Jackson told : "I was right outside before the crash. I noticed (the plane) was low and smoking like hell.

"It shook my trailer. I knew something was bad. I went in my house, and all you heard was this massive explosion."

Lafayette Police Lt. Scott Morgan told Fox News the crash happened at 9.22 am local time.

A car exploded into flames in the crash
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A car exploded into flames in the crashCredit: AP:Associated Press
Five people died in the crash, which happened at 9.22am local time
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Five people died in the crash, which happened at 9.22am local timeCredit: AP:Associated Press

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office is still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the crash at this time.

A statement on Twitter said: "Lafayette Police is currently working an airplane crash in the 300 block of Verot School Road. At this time the Lafayette FD will be handling the scene awaiting the National Transportation.

"We ask that everyone please avoid the area as first responders work on securing the scene."

The FAA says the aircraft is a Piper Fixed Wing Multi-Engine plane owned by Cheyenne Partners LLC based out of Lafayette.

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