- At least five people have died after a police plane crashed into the ocean in Hua Hin district, Thailand on Friday, April 25, authorities have confirmed
- All the victims were police officers, Royal Thai Police spokesperson Archayon Kraithong said, per the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS)
- The cause of the crash is not currently known and an investigation is underway, per reports
Five police officers have died after a small plane crashed into the ocean near a popular beach town in Thailand, according to local authorities.
On Friday, April 25, at approximately 8 a.m. local time, the aircraft crashed into the water while officers were conducting a test flight to prepare for parachute training in Hua Hin district, Royal Thai Police spokesperson Archayon Kraithong said, per the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS).
Archayon confirmed six people on board; five of whom died at the scene, while the sixth person remains in the hospital in critical condition, the outlet reported. All the victims were police officers, Archayon said, per the network.
Officials are yet to confirm the model of the propeller plane involved in the crash, but photos from the scene appear to show it was a Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter, per the TPBS and Associated Press.
The crash occurred near Hua Hin Airport, TPBS stated, citing the public relations department of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, with images showing the aircraft in the water around 330 feet off shore.
Per the Bangkok Post, the incident happened close to the beachside resort, the Baby Grande Hua Hin Hotel, located in Cha-am district of Phetchaburi province. The outlet stated that there were three pilots, two mechanics and an aircraft engineer on board.
The body of the plane appeared to have been broken in two, TPBS reported. The outlet stated the cause of the crash was not immediately known and officials are now gathering evidence, including data from the aircraft’s black box, Archayon said.
National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet said, “The families of the victims will be closely supported and funeral arrangements will be made for them,” reported the Associated Press.
“I have ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash,” the officer added.
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The Royal Thai Police shared a tribute to the victims on Facebook, writing in a translated post, “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.”
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Industry Office didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
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