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A small plane crashed and then burst into flames in front of tourists at a holiday resort on the Isle of Wight off the coast of England on Saturday, April 12
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Authorities said the plane’s two passengers were both treated for minor injuries
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An eyewitness described seeing “huge plumes of smoke and flames” following the crash and called the experience “terrifying”
A small plane crashed and then burst into flames in front of tourists at a resort.
According to the BBC, local police received a report that a light aircraft had crashed at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park on the Isle of Wight (off the southern coast of England) shortly before 2:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 12. The aircraft had two people onboard, and both were treated for minor injuries, per the outlet.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident to the BBC and further stated that the aircraft “suffered extensive damage from the impact and subsequent fire.” They added that both passengers “had safely exited the aircraft before emergency services arrived.”
Fire and Rescue Service additionally said that while the passengers were treated by paramedics at the scene, neither required treatment at a hospital.
PEOPLE reached out to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, as well as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, for further information on Sunday, April 13, but did not receive an immediate response.
In a statement to The Daily Mail, police inspector Alex Dale said that several people immediately rushed to assist the two passengers and helped them to safety before the aircraft burst into flames.
“They were very brave. It was a wonderful thing to do,” Dale told the outlet.
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Police tape (stock image)
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Terry Sloane, a man vacationing with his family at the resort at the time of the crash, told local news outlet Isle of Wight County Press that the plane appeared to lose power and clipped a chimney as it descended to the ground toward some hedges. He also said that the two passengers “popped the canopy pretty quickly and got out,” adding, “I was amazed.”
Sloane also told the outlet that he saw the plane catch fire after both people had safely exited, stating that there were “people coming out with fire extinguishers” by that point.
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A local woman — who wished only to be known as Tina — told the outlet that the plane scraped her roof, causing large chunks of debris to scatter over her yard — only moments before she stepped inside. She described the experience as “terrifying.”
“Suddenly, there were huge plumes of smoke and flames,” she said, recalling what she saw when she stepped outside her home to see what had happened. “It was very, very frightening, but they got out of the plane in that time. I’m so happy they lived.”
Tina also said that the pilot of the plane came by her home to check on her after the incident.
“What a lovely man, to be worried about the damage to the house, when he was so lucky to be alive,“ she said.
Police informed the BBC that the park was not closed due to the incident.
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