2 People Die In Light Aircraft Crash In Johannesburg; Investigation Underway
Two people onboard a light aircraft died after the plane crashed in Johannesburg South on Sunday.
It was previously reported three people were killed in the crash. However, Emer-G-Med paramedics noted it appeared there was a miscommunication between services on the scene. "The initial reports received from the ground teams were three. It appears a miscommunication between services on scene," Emer-G-Med paramedics spokesperson, Kyle van Reenen, told News24.
The aircraft, which was on a training flight between Pretoria and Johannesburg, took off from Grand Central Airport in Midrand. "The aircraft departed from Grand Central Airport in Gauteng on a training flight with the intention to land back at the same airport," the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) said in a statement.
However, it crashed minutes after takeoff near a mine dump near the FNB stadium in Johannesburg.
"Onboard the aircraft were two occupants, who both sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft itself sustained substantial damage," the SACAA added.
The SACAA hasn't yet disclosed the cause of the accident, which took place around 9 a.m. local time (0700 GMT). A preliminary report will be released within 30 days.
"The accident and incidents division has been informed of an aircraft accident that occurred this morning Sunday the 15th of January at approximately 9 o'clock local time," said SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola.
Several emergency service agencies were present at the scene to monitor the situation along with Emer-G-Med paramedics. The Civil Aviation Authorities and the South African Police Services (SAPS) will investigate the matter, IOL Reported.
In another incident that took place in December, a catastrophic gas truck explosion claimed the lives of 40 people, including at least 12 medical personnel who were stationed at the Tambo Memorial Hospital close to the blast site. "As the government, we have not abandoned our mission to protect, care and give them the necessary support. We will be the last ones on the scene and until every family is supported until every institution is supported, I want to commit the GPG to be there until the last moment," a statement by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said.
In another incident, a South African Police Service member who works out of the North West's province headquarters was kidnapped and shot in Johannesburg Sunday, according to the police, News24 reported.
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