A plane crash Saturday afternoon left two children dead and two other people critically injured near Sierra Sky Park in northwest Fresno, according authorities.

Of the four people aboard the single-engine passenger aircraft, rescue crews were able to evacuate two people to Community Regional Medical Center, said Deputy Fire Marshal Jay Tracy.

Emergency crews received the call at about 3:45 p.m. to find the aircraft in a river embankment about 200 yards past the end of the runway, Tracy said. First responders called in the water rescue team and Urban Search and Rescue.

“This is a rare and tragic situation in northwest Fresno,” Fresno Councilmember Mike Karbassi told GV Wire earlier Saturday afternoon. “My immediate concern is for the survivors of this heart wrenching situation. At the appropriate time, my office will reach out and ensure they have what they need as they recover.”

The crash took out power for approximately 1,700 homes in the areas. A Pacific Gas & Electric vehicle was on site when GV Wire got to the scene at about 5:30 p.m.

According to a Fresno County sheriff’s report, about 20 law enforcement vehicles responded, with 10 fire engines. The crash also caused a small fire that fire crews quickly put out, Tracy said.

North Central Fire Department led the response, aided by Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, Fresno Fire Department, and the Fresno Police Department.

Being an airplane crash, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will also conduct an investigation.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office later said, “The sheriff’s office is holding a safety perimeter tonight and tomorrow to prevent the public from accessing the  crash scene and to preserve it for investigators.”

Officials said the identities and relationships of the victims are not known at this time.

Sierra Sky Park is a private airfield near Herndon and Brawley avenues.