Two people have died after a small aircraft crashed into a hangar at Parafield Airport in Adelaide, South Australia, triggering a fire and prompting a major emergency response, authorities said.
The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon local time when a twin-engine Diamond DA42 aircraft crashed into the hangar and burst into flames. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a formal investigation into the incident.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed that several other people were injured in the crash. In a statement posted on social media, he expressed condolences to the victims’ families, saying his thoughts were with “those who have passed away and everyone affected by this devastating event.”
Emergency services quickly evacuated the surrounding area as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Authorities confirmed that the fire has since been brought under control, while the airfield remains closed as investigations continue.
South Australia Police said in a statement that emergency crews are still operating at the scene and managing the aftermath of the crash.
Parafield Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in Australia, is commonly used by light aircraft and flight training schools. The aircraft involved, a Diamond DA42, is a twin-engine plane that can carry up to four people, according to the manufacturer.
Airport authorities described the incident as “serious” and said they are cooperating fully with emergency responders.
This is not the first accident at the airport. In January, a student pilot survived after their aircraft crashed and caught fire during a training flight.
The cause of Wednesday’s crash remains under investigation.