Western Nebraska Community College says two students in its Aviation Maintenance Program at the Sidney Airport died Thurs morning in what the school is calling “a tragic accident.” Names are being withheld pending notification of family.
WNCC officials have released no information on the accident, other than it did not include active airplanes or vehicles. The Sidney airport remained open to normal traffic.
WNCC cancelled all classes and events on its Sidney campus for the rest of the day and counselors arrived on the scene shortly before noon to meet with students, faculty, and staff having trouble dealing with the situation.
College President Dr Carmen Simone said everyone at WNCC is “deeply saddened by the horrific events that have taken place today in our Aviation Maintenance facility.”
Dr Simone described the Aviation Maintenance program as a “very tight-knit group and this is an incredibly difficult time for all, adding that “thoughts and prayers” go out to the families, friends, classmates, and faculty members impacted by the tragedy.
Simone says WNCC will continue to work with local authorities in Sidney to assist with the investigation.
The WNCC aviation program prepares students for entry-level aviation maintenance technician jobs.