A small aircraft crashed at an airport in New South Wales, Australia, on Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of all three individuals aboard, as confirmed by the police. “Upon impact with the ground, the aircraft ignited, and the fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW,” the police stated in a release. “Three individuals have been confirmed deceased.” The plane went down at Shellharbour Airport, located approximately 85 km (53 miles) south of Sydney, shortly after taking off around 10:00 am (2300 GMT Friday), according to police reports. Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Andrew Barber mentioned that a local RFS unit was engaged in training at the airport at the time of the crash. One member witnessed the event and quickly rushed to provide assistance. “However, due to the nature of the fuel, the exposure to the fuel, and the combustion, the occupants had no chance of survival,” Barber was quoted as saying by ABC News. “The aircraft, as reported by Fire and Rescue, was shattered into multiple pieces upon impact. It remains at the site, along with the three deceased individuals, and a comprehensive investigation will be conducted by the police,” he added.
Aerial footage released by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation displayed the charred remains of the aircraft on the runway. Police confirmed that a crime scene has been established and that the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been informed.
