Three people have died after a light aircraft crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff at Shellharbour Airport in New South Wales on Saturday morning, police said.
The aircraft went down around 10 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Friday), approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Sydney, moments after departing from the regional airport.
“Upon impacting with the ground, the aircraft caught on fire, which was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW,” police said in a statement. “Three people are confirmed deceased.”
Aerial images broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) showed the charred remains of the plane lying on the runway, surrounded by emergency crews and fire engines.
Authorities have established a crime scene as investigations begin into the cause of the crash. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified and will conduct an independent safety investigation.
Police have not yet released the identities of the victims, and the cause of the crash remains unclear.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
