A small plane crash happened in Durban North, near Virginia Airport on the 1st of April, 2025 in the morning. Despite the impact of the crash, the two passengers survived and were transported to the nearest medical facility. An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the accident.
Paramedics Arrive at Scene
According to East Coast Radio News, ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that emergency services responded quickly to the scene. “Paramedics arrived on scene to find the eThekwini fire department already in attendance and were shown to where [the] light aircraft [was] found in the trees,” he stated. The plane was discovered among the trees near the airport.
Survivors From Small Plane Crash Transported for Medical Care
According to Jamieson, both individuals who remained unnamed and were onboard survived the accident. “Paramedics were informed that two occupants who had been in the airplane at the time of the crash were transported privately for medical care,” he said. How severe their injuries are remains unclear.
Investigation Underway For Small Plane Crash
The scene was quickly taken over by the South African Police Services Department to conduct an official investigation. “The scene was called off by SAPS so that the necessary authorities could investigate the cause of this incident,” Jamieson confirmed. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and other relevant bodies are expected to lead the investigation.
This accident adds to a growing list of small plane accidents in South Africa, which is raising concerns over aviation safety. In a media briefing, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed concern over the recent increase in small plane crashes in South Africa:
“As we head towards closing off this 2023/24 financial year, we have recorded 97 accidents to date. While we are projecting these numbers to marginally be lower than the previous reporting period, the number of fatal accidents has increased to thirteen (13), which is four (4) more than data from the 2022/23 financial year.” More details on the Durban North crash will be released as the investigation unfolds.
What do you think of the growing list of small plane accidents in South Africa?
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