1 Dead, 1 Seriously Injured After Plane Crashes While Landing at Aspen, Colo. Airport (UPDATE: 3rd Person's Injuries Not Life Threatening)

One person is dead, another was seriously injured, and a third suffered injuries that aren't life-threatening after a private plane crashed Sunday afternoon at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, Colo., the Associated Press reported.

Photo credit: Jon Francis

Photo credit: Jon Francis

Photo credit: Jon Francis

The plane, which appears to be a Bombardier Challenger 600, had three people aboard, according to the Sheriff's Office; it originated from Mexico and stopped in Tucson, Ariz., before arriving in Aspen, ABC News reported.

Ginny Dyche, a spokeswoman for Aspen Valley Hospital, told the Associated Press that the facility admitted two patients who were involved in the crash. She said they were still being evaluated, but she declined to release any other information.

TheBlaze's Mike Opelka spoke with Callie Lewis, a Texas woman who said she was in the airport as the jet came in.

"It was on fire when we saw it," Lewis told TheBlaze. "The front of the plane had flames shooting out of it. One of the wings snapped off and it flipped over."

"As it happened, everyone started panicking, so we got out of there," Lewis added.

Photo credit: Jon Francis

CNN said two celebrities at the small airport in the Aspen ski resort area posted Twitter messages saying they witnessed the crash.

"So sad! Horrible plane crash we just saw happen at the Aspen airport," singer LeAnn Rimes tweeted.

Comedian Kevin Nealon tweeted: "Horrible plane crash here at Aspen airport. Exploded into flames as it was landing. I think it was a private jet. Fire truck and ambulances were on the scene within minutes."

The Aspen airport is known as a challenging place for pilots to land because of the mountains that surround the runway, CNN added. The airport tarmac is often filled with private planes owned or chartered by the wealthy and famous who own vacation homes in the mountain resort community.

"Airport is closed now," Nealon tweeted, according to CNN. "I think I'll drive back to LA after seeing that."

TheBlaze's Mike Opelka contributed to this story.

This is breaking news; updates will be added.

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