As they were just drifting off to deep sleep, a couple in Hermantown, Minnesota was woken up by a loud explosion on Saturday night. Alarmed by the noise which they initially thought was caused by their furnace, they got up and grabbed a flashlight to check on the scene. What they saw was an airplane wheel at the foot of their bed.

A Cessna 172 crashed into their home late that night. Good news was that the couple, Jason and Crystal Hoffman, were miraculously unharmed. Their cat, who was able to escape and hide in the basement, also made it out safely.

The sad news is that the small plane’s three passengers died on the spot.

The victims were identified as 32-year-old Alyssa Schmidt from St. Paul, her brother, 31-year-old Matthew Schmidt from Burnsville, and the pilot, 32-year-old Tyler Fretland, also from Burnsville. The remnants of the plane were found in the backyard.

People have been discouraged to go near or stay in the area due to possible effects of the crash. Live power lines were brought down by the plane. 

The crash caused an enormous hole in the Hoffman’s roof and destroyed about half of the back part of their house. The couple were from Worthington, Minnesota and lived in their home for seven years. The shocked Hoffmans shared that they are heartbroken for the victims of the crash, but they also feel lucky to have survived unhurt.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will continue investigating the accident.

The plane missed the couple by inches. Their home is likely a total loss. Neighbors have been helping them out and gave them a place to stay.