FOUR people have died after a plane crashed into a car auction site next to Blackbushe Airport near Yateley.
The fatal crash occurred at 3.10pm today and involved a private plane, which crashed into the car park of British Car Auctions, one of the largest car auction sites in the UK.
Reports say that the smoke from the crash could be seen five miles away – we had reports of it being seen in Wokingham town centre. Three appliances from the fire brigade, firefighters stationed at Blackbushe Airport and the Air Ambulance attended the scene.
The Press Association has reported that the plane was a Phenom 300 which had flown in from Milan in Italy and was attempting to land.
The site has been cordoned off while police conduct an investigation.
Speaking at the scene, Acting Chief Inspector Olga Venner said: “Four people were on board including the pilot. No one survived.
“No one on the ground was injured.”
At this stage, the names of those who died in the crash have not been released.
“Next of kin will be notified before names are released,” said ACI Venner.
Exact details as to what caused the plane to crash into the car park are unknown, although witnesses on the scene indicated to The Wokingham Paper that the plane had been trying to land. The police could not confirm or deny.
“We cannot release any more information at this stage,” said ACI Venner. “The airport is closed while the investigation gathers evidence.”
The whole site is currently cordoned off for the police investigation, which ACI Venner said was being carried out in conjunction with the Air Accident Board. The site, which is also home to Blackbushe Market, is being guarded.
ACI Venner said: “It’s a self-contained crash site and there is no impact on the local infrastructure or roads.”