Police have confirmed that an inquest has been opened following the death of a pilot in a plane crash Ferreira, south of Bloemfontein in the Free State, Friday.
A Free State Provincial Police statement issued by Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said that at around 10.20am police were dispatched to the scene following reports of a plane crash.
“Upon arrival, first responders found emergency medical services already on scene, providing care to a male subject trapped in the wreckage.
“Tragically, the pilot, a 45-year-old man, who was believed to be the sole occupant of the aircraft, was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. Investigators are currently working to locate and notify next of kin,” the statement said.
The SAPS said it will work closely with aviation investigators to determine the technical cause of the crash and an inquest has been opened for further investigation.
In December last year, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) reported that 43 aviation incidents had been reported in South Africa during the current financial year, of which 12 crashes resulted in 17 deaths.
Mercury Reporter
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