Rescue efforts ongoing as investigators probe cause of fatal aviation incident
BANGKOK: At least five people have been confirmed dead after a Thai police aircraft crashed on Friday, according to officials from the Royal Thai Police. The accident occurred in an undisclosed region of the country during a routine operation, with emergency response teams currently on-site.
The aircraft, reportedly a light utility plane used for police reconnaissance and administrative travel, lost contact with ground control shortly before it went down. The wreckage was discovered hours later by search-and-rescue teams, who have since recovered the bodies of the victims.
“We can confirm five fatalities,” said a Royal Thai Police spokesperson. “We are working closely with aviation authorities to investigate the cause of the crash.”
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the crash remains unclear. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation alongside military and police units. Preliminary reports suggest weather conditions may have played a role, although mechanical failure has not been ruled out.
Witnesses in nearby villages reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing smoke rise from a forested area. “It was like thunder, but sharper. Then we saw helicopters and emergency vehicles rushing in,” said one local resident.
National Response
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged government support. “This is a tragic day for our police force,” he said. “We mourn the loss of these brave officers and will ensure their sacrifice is not forgotten.”
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Officials also declined to comment on how many people were originally aboard the aircraft, stating that recovery operations are still in progress.
Thailand’s Aviation Safety Record
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about aviation safety in Thailand, where both commercial and government-operated flights have faced scrutiny in the past. The crash will likely prompt renewed calls for stricter maintenance checks and pilot training protocols.
Updates are expected as the investigation develops. A full report from aviation authorities will be released after a detailed examination of the flight recorder and wreckage.
Follow @ArabNews for the latest on this developing story.
Categories: Asia News, Aviation, Public Safety
Tags: Thailand, plane crash, police aircraft, aviation safety, emergency response
