Two people have been killed and “a number of others” injured after a light plane crashed into a hangar at Parafield Airport in Adelaide’s north on Wednesday afternoon.
South Australian Police confirmed emergency services were called to an area near Kings Road about 2.10pm after reports a small plane had collided with a hangar during an attempt to land.
Ambulance crews rushed to the scene and an evacuation order was put in place as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
A photo from the scene shows a black plume of smoke billowing into the air and close to nearby buildings.
A spokesperson from the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service said firefighters were able to put out the fire.
South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, was briefed on the incident by Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, and confirmed the deaths in post to social media.
“Tragically, two people have lost their lives, and a number of others have been injured,” he said.
“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have passed away, and with everyone affected by this devastating event.”
Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area around Parafield Airport while emergency operations continue.
In a statement, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said an investigation into the accident involving the twin-engined Diamond DA42 aircraft had been launched.
“The ATSB has deployed a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra and Brisbane offices, specialising in aircraft operations, maintenance and engineering, human factors and survival factors,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
“They will arrive on site on Thursday morning, and over coming days will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities, including site and wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components of interest for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.”
“Investigators will also interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data and CCTV footage, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information,” Mr Mitchell added.
The ATSB is appealing for anyone with video footage of the accident, or its immediate aftermath, to contact them.
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