RENO, Nev. — Reno police say a total of nine people have died in a crash of a World War II-era plane at an air race on Friday.

The deaths include seven who were killed on the tarmac, including the pilot, Jimmy Leeward, and two others who died at hospitals.

The new death toll was announced at a briefing with local and federal investigators.

Investigators say they are examining the site, gathering information and are encouraged by the large number of photos and videos available to them.

They have not speculated on a cause but organizers pointed to a possible mechanical failure.

Reno Aur Races President and CEO Mike Houghton said hours after the crash that there appeared to be a “problem with the aircraft that caused it to go out of control.” He did not elaborate.