BANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) – A Thai police aircraft crashed in the sea off Cha-Am in Phetchaburi on Friday during a flight test in preparation for a parachute jump exercise, killing five officers on board, a police spokesperson said.
Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong revealed that the aircraft went down at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time. The six police officers on board were three pilots, two mechanics and an engineer.
The spokesperson said that there is a latest report from doctors with further updates. The pilot who was reported to have died at the hospital is still showing vital signs and is currently under close medical care at the hospital.
Archayon stated that an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. Authorities will collect data from the wreckage, the black box, and technical evidence. Relevant aviation agencies will also be involved in a thorough joint inspection.
National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet has ordered immediate support for the families of the deceased and dignified funeral arrangements. He has also emphasized a swift investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Royal Thai Police expressed their deepest condolences for the loss of the dedicated officers.
Initial reports indicated the aircraft from the police aviation division crashed in the sea near Bo Fai Airport in Phetchaburi province shortly after taking off from Hua Hin Airport at 8:08 a.m.
The crash site was approximately 150 meters from the shore.-819 (TNA)
