Authorities search for survivors as plane crashes into Thailand forest

Saturday, August 24, 2024 - An aircraft has crashed into a mangrove forest in Thailand, sparking a desperate search for survivors.

The Cessna 208B Grand-Caravan, which was transporting a European family from Bangkok to Trat province, crashed and burst into flames in a swamp near Chachoengsao province just before 3:30pm local time on Thursday, August 22.

Authorities are now scouring the area for any sign of survivors.

Images from the crash site reveal female clothing, a photo of three young girls, and a Prada wallet among the wreckage.

Local reports suggest that two pilots and seven passengers were on board at the time of the crash.

Resident Ang Trasawat, 69, described hearing a loud explosion before rushing to the scene where he found debris from the plane scattered around, including near a house.

The aircraft, registered as HS-SKR to Siam General Aviation, was reportedly being used for a private charter flight when the disaster occurred.

Flight records indicate it left Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at 2.46pm on August 22, heading for Koh Mai Si Airport in Trat under flight number TFT209, before losing signal at 2.57pm.

Police have cordoned off the area while they continue their search for survivors.

A representative from the Bangpakong district station reported that they were alerted about the crash and immediately dispatched police and paramedics to the location.

Upon arrival, they discovered plane debris strewn across a muddy area spanning roughly 328 feet (100 metres).

Despite an extensive search, no pilot or passengers were found at the scene, although luggage from those onboard was recovered.

The officer further stated: "We have blocked off the area to prevent further accidents due to an oil leak from the plane.

"We have inspected the wreckage and have not yet found any pilot or passengers. We will expand the search radius and dig the ground beneath the wreckage to locate the pilot and passengers.

“We will also inspect the flight information to determine the plane's owner and the number of passengers.”