(Feb. 12, 2006) -- A light plane went down this afternoon in the Port of LB in the Pacific Container Terminal area (Pier J. Ave., Berth 270), seriously injuring the pilot but leaving ground workers and cargo containers miraculously unscathed.

Details are sketchy as we post. LBFD Battalion Chief/Public Information Officer Jeff Reeb says the incident occurred at about 4:16 p.m.; the pilot was the only person aboard the light plane; he received significant injuries...and is lucky to be alive.

Three container terminal employees removed the pilot from the wreckage; paramedics stabilized and transported him to a local hospital.

Battalion Chief Reeb says the plane crash caused amazingly little damage on the ground, hitting on asphalt, missing workers and not damaging any containers.

"The plane broke into pieces," BC/PIO Reeb said. "It appears to have come in nose down and was virtually completely destroyed."

Details are pending as we post; the crash is under investigation; further to follow as newsworthy.