Three people have died after a light plane crashed moments after take-off from Shellharbour Airport, south of Wollongong, on Saturday morning.
NSW Police said the crash happened around 10am, with the aircraft catching fire on impact. Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed the blaze was brought under control shortly after, but all three people on board were killed. There are no reports of any other injuries.
According to NSW Police, the plane had just left the runway when it went down near the airfield. Inspector Andrew Barber from Fire and Rescue NSW told the ABC that members of a local Rural Fire Service unit, who had been at the airport for training, saw the incident happen and went to assist. However, the intensity of the fire meant there was no chance of saving the occupants.
“The plane… was broken into multiple pieces by the impact of the crash,” Barber said. “It’s still on the site, as are the three people who died, unfortunately, and there will be a full investigation forthcoming by police.”
Local MP for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, described the incident on social media as “devastating”.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in the crash, as well as the dedicated first responders,” she wrote.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified and will lead an investigation into the crash. Police have established a crime scene at the airport, and a media briefing is expected later today.
Shellharbour Airport, located about 20 kilometres south of Wollongong, operates both commercial services to Melbourne and Brisbane as well as catering to smaller, privately-operated planes.
Lead image: 9News
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