New South Wales: Three adults have died after a light aircraft crashed at Shellharbour Airport near Wollongong, New South Wales.
The private plane took off at approximately 10:00 am before crashing and catching fire. It was reportedly en route to Ballarat. Speaking to the media, Chief Inspector Aaron Wunderlich of Lake Illawarra Police District described the incident as ‘a very tragic incident.’
Aaron Wunderlich confirmed that all three occupants were adults of a similar age group, but their identities have not yet been formally released. Aaron Wunderlich stated that, “Police are working to formally identify the three people involved, so I can’t release any details at this point in relation to who they are, their ages, or where they’re from.”
The crash occurred during an open day at the airport, which was hosting a local aviation museum event. Although the plane was not part of the event, an estimated 10 to 15 people reportedly witnessed the crash. Some members of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) were also present on a training exercise at the time.
Inspector Andrew Barber of Fire and Rescue NSW said that, due to fuel exposure and combustion, the occupants could not be saved. Barber remarked that, “The plane was broken into multiple pieces by the impact of the crash. It remains at the site along with the three people who died.”
NSW police confirmed that counselling would be offered to first responders and witnesses of the incident.
Local Labour MP Katelin McInerney described the news as ‘devastating’ on social media, extending her thoughts to the families, friends, and emergency personnel involved. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified to carry out a full investigation into the crash.
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