Seven tourists are feared to have lost their lives following a tragic plane crash in Thailand on Thursday, according to recent reports.
Local media stated that the passengers were traveling from Bangkok airport to the coastal province of Trat when their plane erupted in flames.
The aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand-Caravan, crashed into a mangrove forest in Chachoengsao province just after 3:30 PM.
The Bangkok Post has reported that nine individuals were on board the ill-fated flight.
The crash site was found within the mud of the forest, revealing personal belongings such as women’s clothing and a photo of three foreign women.
Authorities are continuously searching for any missing pilots and passengers.
Photographs from the crash site depict widespread debris with a significant number of search and rescue personnel around a large crater.
Local resident Ang Trasawat recounted that he heard a deafening explosion before rushing to the crash scene.
He said: “There were explosions in the air. Before the plane fell, the sound was incredibly loud, then the plane fell to the ground.
“After that, I hurried to see what had happened. Plane debris was scattered all over, even near a nearby house.”
Preecha Boontham, aged 56, also shared his experience: “I heard the plane making a very loud noise. There was no visible smoke.
“The aircraft then descended towards the fields and crashed in the mangrove forest.
“It was a small white plane with two wings. Following the crash, there was a massive explosion.”
Police Lieutenant Warayut Chanwichumet, Deputy Chief of Investigation from the Bang Pakong District police station, explained that both police and paramedics have been sent to the crash site.
He remarked: “We have cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents due to an oil leak from the plane. We have examined the wreckage and have yet to locate any pilot or passengers.
“Our team plans to broaden the search area and investigate beneath the wreckage to locate the pilot and passengers. We will also scrutinize flight information to identify the plane’s owner and the exact number of occupants.”
