A small plane that left from Columbia Metropolitan Airport Tuesday crashed in Oconee County Ga. near Athens, killing 3 people.

The Piper PA-46 aircraft was headed to Tuscaloosa, Ala. It went down in a wooded area at around 3:45 pm, said a spokesman for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office in a press conference.

“The plane crash involved multiple fatalities,” was a post from the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office also said rescue efforts were hampered by fire at the crash site.

Wednesday sheriff's office investigators said they think they know the identities of all the passengers and the pilot in the crash, but they are not releasing the names officially until they have made positive ID's via their crime lab.

It is believed those who died are from Texas, investigators said.

The sheriff's office reported Wednesday morning that federal aviation officials were on the scene of the plane crash.

"Our hearts go out to the families of those involved. Each family was extremely gracious and understanding of the situation at hand," the sheriff's office said.
"Thanks to all of the Oconee County Fire Rescue personnel for their customary exemplary response.
"Thanks to the Georgia State Patrol Aviation unit for flying the scene yesterday and helping spot debris."