Police Aircraft Crash in Thailand Claims Six Lives
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Synopsis
A small police aircraft crashed into the sea near Hua Hin, Thailand, during a test flight for parachute training, resulting in the deaths of six police officers. The tragic incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Hua Hin airport.
Key Takeaways
- A small police plane crashed near Hua Hin, Thailand.
- Six police officers lost their lives in the incident.
- The crash occurred during a test flight for parachute training.
- Initial investigations suggest engine failure as a potential cause.
- Emergency responders are assessing the crash site.
Bangkok, April 25 (NationPress) A small police aircraft tragically crashed near the coastline of Thailand's popular resort town, Hua Hin, on Friday morning, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, according to the Thai police.
The Thai national police reported on their social media platform that the police aviation division's aircraft went down into the waters off Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province, shortly after it departed from the nearby Hua Hin airport, with all six occupants perishing.
This unfortunate accident occurred while the plane was engaged in a test flight for parachute training. The victims were all police officers, with five dying instantly at the scene and one succumbing later in a hospital, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Video evidence captured the moment the plane nosedived into the ocean. Preliminary investigations indicate that an engine failure happened soon after takeoff. The police have committed to thoroughly investigating the cause of this tragic incident.
The Phetchaburi police emergency center reported receiving alerts about a plane crashing into the sea near a local resort around 8:15 a.m.
Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, confirmed that the incident occurred during a test flight operation in preparation for a parachute training exercise in Hua Hin.
The deceased officers were identified as Pol Col Prathan Khiewkham, Pol Lt Col Panthep Maneewachirangkul, Pol Capt Chaturawong Wattanapaisarn, along with aircraft engineer Pol Lt Thanawat Mekprasert and mechanics Pol L/Cpl Jeerawat Maksakha and Pol Sgt Maj Prawat Pholhongsa, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
While authorities have yet to confirm the specific model of the aircraft, visuals from the crash site indicate it was a Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter. The crash transpired in the Hua Hin district, with the aircraft landing approximately 100 meters from the shore. Images reveal the plane partially submerged and fractured.
The test flight was part of the preparations for a parachute training operation in the region. Officials from the public relations department of Prachuab Kiri Khan province verified the crash location. Further information regarding the cause of the accident and the condition of the crew members has not been disclosed at this time.
Emergency responders and investigators are currently on-site, evaluating the situation and gathering evidence to ascertain the cause of the crash.
