6 Police Officers Dead in Beach Plane Crash
Six police officers tragically died Friday morning after a propeller plane they were riding plunged into the ocean in Thailand.
According to The Associated Press, the plane was performing a test flight to prepare parachute training. It's unclear what led to the crash, but the apparent Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter plane suddenly plunged to the Hua Hin beach waters, killing all six police officers onboard.
Five of the six officers were pronounced dead at the scene and the pilot, also a police officer, later died at a hospital. The plane appeared to break in half as a result of the crash. Witness video shows the harrowing moment when the plane plunged. The video cuts before the plane makes impact some 330 feet offshore.
According to Royal Thai Police spokesperson Archayon Kraithong, the crash occurred around 8 a.m. Officials are still investigating the crash and are gathering evidence from the plane's black box.The crash reportedly occurred near a luxury hotel and near the Hua Hin Airport.
"The families of the victims will be closely supported and funeral arrangements will be made for them," National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet told The Associated Press. "I have ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash."
The Royal Thai Police paid tribute to the fallen officers in an emotional Facebook post.
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