A plane which had been carrying six police officers crashed into the ocean near a popular beach town in Thailand at around 8am local time on Friday, April 25, according to local authorities. All six people who were on board have died.
The plane was on a test flight
The plane which was carrying six police officers was conducting a test flight to prepare for parachute training in Hua Hin district when it crashed into the ocean.
Royal Thai Police spokesperson Archayon Kraithong confirmed this, as per the Associated Press.
Five people died at the scene and one in hospital
In the photos from the crash, the body of the plane appears to be broken in two, with the plane having seemingly crashed around 100 meters (330 feet) offshore.
Five of the officers onboard died at the scene with one, who was the pilot, later dying at the hospital.
The model of the plane is still not known
According to the outlet, officials have yet to share the exact model of the propeller plane, but photos from the scene of the crash suggest it may have been a Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter.
According to the public relations department of Prachuab Kiri Khan province, the crash occurred near Hua Hin Airport.
The National Police Chief gave a statement
As per the Associated Press, National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet said, “The families of the victims will be closely supported and funeral arrangements will be made for them.”
He added, “I have ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash.”
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The Royal Thai Police also shared a tribute
Royal Thai Police also shared a tribute message to the victims on Facebook.
The translated post reads, “The National Police would like to express its deepest condolences and honor to the 5 policemen. The National Police Office will fully take care of the benefits and welfare of the families of the 5 brave policemen.”
Reason for the crash is still not entirely known
The reason for the crash is still not entirely known, but the plane appeared to have broken in two, as per the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS).
The network said that officials are still gathering evidence to understand exactly what happened, including that from the aircraft’s black box.
