Three folks have died after their mild aircraft crashed whereas aiding firefighters battling bushfires in Queensland.
Queensland Police had been referred to as by a member of the general public about reviews of sunshine aircraft crash at McKinlay, 104km southeast of Cloncurry, about 2.30pm on Saturday.
Three folks had been on board the aircraft when it crashed close to the Eloise Copper Mine web site about 40km north west of McKinlay.
Police confirmed the Rescue 400 helicopter discovered the wreckage from the air whereas floor crews made their method to the location.
Officers arrived on scene about 5pm, the place three folks on board had been discovered and confirmed lifeless.
Queensland Fireplace and Emergency Companies had contracted the aircraft to undertake fireplace mapping.
In an announcement, QFES paid tribute to the three individuals who died on Saturday.
“Our hearts are heavy following the deadly aircraft crash this afternoon in north west Queensland and the tragic lack of three folks supporting our bushfire response,” QFES posted on social media.
“Throughout pure disasters in Queensland, we reply as a household.
“That household consists of these contracted to assist our aerial operations.
“Aspect-by-side we’ve got been preventing these bushfires as one and their loss is felt by all. Our ideas and prayers are with their household, pals and those that labored alongside them, together with our Air Operations personnel.”
QFES confirmed it had contracted the aircraft to assist the Queensland bushfire response and conduct line scans.
A QFES spokesman confirmed different planes will now be grounded till additional discover because the crash investigation continues.
“The plane was the identical kind as one that’s used because the lead aircraft for the Giant Aerial Tanker (LAT),” the spokesman stated.
“Each the LAT and the lead aircraft can be grounded till suggested by authorities.”
The aircraft had been travelling from Toowoomba to Mt Isa when it crashed close to Cloncurry.
The reason for the crash is presently unknown.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman stated it was tough for emergency rescue crews to achieve the location.
“Officers from Mount Isa and a rescue helicopter are trying to achieve the plane which is in tough terrain,” the spokeswoman stated.
A witness informed 9 Information they’d seen a plume of smoke about 30km off the Landsborough Freeway across the space the aircraft reportedly crashed.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Australian Transport Security Bureau (ATSB) will perform a transport security investigation.
The Forensic Crash Unit may even examine the crash of behalf of the State Coroner.
It’s understood the lacking aircraft is 275 Gulfstream 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 generally known as a “Birddog”.
The aircraft disappeared of the flight radar between Mt Isa and Cloncurry after departing Toowoomba earlier within the day.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stated she was “terribly saddened” to listen to in regards to the tragedy.
“The crew on board this plane have been doing every little thing they may to guard Queenslanders,” Ms Palaszczuk stated.
“I ship my heartfelt condolences to the many individuals who’ve been impacted by this stunning incident.”
Queensland’s Fireplace and Emergency Companies minister Mark Ryan stated the tragedy would hit the aerial firefighting groups exhausting.
“For weeks now the groups within the air supporting the firefighting efforts have been working collectively to maintain Queenslanders secure,“ Mr Ryan stated.
“So lots of them know one another, work collectively, dedicate themselves to the identical objective, to maintain everybody secure.
“To lose a group of their very own can be particularly exhausting.
“My heartfelt sympathies go to everybody who’s hurting proper now, the households, the buddies, and the colleagues of the crew who’ve misplaced their lives.”
Extra to come back.
Initially revealed as Queensland Police help in seek for lacking mild aircraft at McKinlay
