5 Killed When NASCAR-Linked Plane Crashes

SANFORD, Fla. -- A plane that was registered to a company linked to late-NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. crashed into two homes near Orlando killing five people, including two children.

NASCAR.com confirmed that Bruce Kennedy, husband of International Speedway Corp. president Lesa France Kennedy and the pilot of the twin-engine Cessna 310, died in the crash.

Sanford Fire Chief Gerard Ransom confirmed the five fatalities. The identities of the dead were not released but NASCAR confirmed the identity of Kennedy, a Daytona Beach plastic surgeon and Michael Klemm, a senior captain with NASCAR Aviation.

"It is clear that numerous families were affected by this terrible tragedy and unfortunately several people were deceased or seriously injured," NASCAR said in a statement. "Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with all of those who were involved in this tragic accident and their families."

Officials said that there were fatalities in both the houses that were struck by the plane. The houses were nearly leveled by the flames.

The plane was en route to Lakeland, Fla. from Daytona, Fla., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

An off-duty firefighter was injured as well. The investigator said the firefighter was on the scene before the on-duty responders, and that he was not seriously hurt.

Smoke has been rising from the area, and firefighters have been dousing homes with water.

Airport officials said the trouble call from the Cessna came in to the tower at 8:35 a.m. EDT.

The FAA said the pilot was trying to land in Orlando when the plane crashed about a mile or two north of the airport.

The plane was registered to Competitor Liaison Bureau Inc. of Daytona Beach, said Kathleen Bergen with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Online records from the Department of State Division of Corporations showCompetitor Liaison is based in Daytona Beach and registered under the name of William C. France -- the former NASCAR chairman and Kennedy's father-in-law who died five weeks ago. James C. France, Brian Z. France and France Kennedy are also listed as officers of the company.