A plane has crashed into a mangrove forest in Thailand, prompting a frantic search for survivors.
The Cessna 208B Grand-Caravan, carrying a European family from Bangkok to Trat province, went down in a swamp near Chachoengsao province just before 3:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 22.
The aircraft burst into flames upon impact, and authorities are now combing the area for any signs of life.
Images from the site show women’s clothing, a photograph of three young girls, and a Prada wallet among the wreckage. Local reports indicate that the plane had two pilots and seven passengers on board at the time of the crash.
Ang Trasawat, a 69-year-old resident, described hearing a loud explosion and rushing to the scene, where he found debris scattered around, including near a house.
The aircraft, registered as HS-SKR to Siam General Aviation, was reportedly on a private charter flight when the accident occurred.
Flight records show that the plane took off from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at 2:46 p.m. on August 22, bound for Koh Mai Si Airport in Trat under flight number TFT209. It lost signal at 2:57 p.m. Police have since cordoned off the area as they continue their search.
A representative from Bangpakong district station reported that they were alerted to the crash and quickly dispatched police and paramedics to the scene. Upon arrival, they found debris scattered across a muddy area spanning approximately 328 feet (100 meters).
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Despite an extensive search, no survivors have been located, though luggage belonging to those on board was recovered. The officer added, “We have sealed off the area to prevent further accidents due to an oil leak from the plane. We will expand the search and dig beneath the wreckage to locate the pilot and passengers.
Additionally, we will review flight information to confirm the plane’s ownership and the number of passengers on board.”