On Thursday, August 22, 2024, at approximately 2:46 p.m., a small passenger plane crashed shortly after taking off from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to Thailand’s civil aviation authority. The plane, a turboprop Cessna Caravan C208B operated by the Thai Flying Service Company, was on a domestic flight within Thailand. Tragically, all nine individuals on board are believed to have perished.
Crash Site and Rescue Efforts
The crash occurred in a mangrove swamp in Chachoengsao province, located approximately 40km (25 miles) from Bangkok. Rescuers found no survivors at the site, where they encountered challenging swampy conditions. Initial reports from Thai media revealed that seven passengers and two pilots were on the flight.
Identification of Victims
Rescuers discovered badly fragmented body parts during their search of the difficult terrain. The victims included five Chinese tourists from Hong Kong, along with two Thai female crew members and the Thai pilot and co-pilot. The exact identities of the deceased have not yet been released.
Hong Kong’s Response
In response to the crash, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department began investigating the situation through both Beijing’s foreign affairs office and the Chinese embassy in Thailand. As of Friday, August 23, 2024, the department had not received any requests for assistance from Hong Kong residents related to the incident.
Details of the Flight
The plane departed Suvarnabhumi Airport at 2:46 p.m. local time and lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control just 11 minutes later, at approximately 2:57 p.m., while approximately 35km (22 miles) southeast of the airport. The aircraft was en route to Trat, a coastal province situated about 275km (171 miles) southeast of Bangkok.
Crash Scene and Ongoing Search
Video footage from the scene revealed the plane’s wreckage highly fragmented and scattered in the water within a wooded area. A rescuer was seen wading through muddy water up to his chest. The search operation has been hindered by darkness and rising tides, which have further flooded the crash site, complicating recovery efforts.
Cause of the Crash
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has launched an investigation to determine what led to this tragic incident.
Conclusion
The plane crash in Thailand represents a profound tragedy, with the loss of all nine people on board. Efforts to recover and identify the victims continue amidst challenging conditions. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and further details will emerge as the inquiry progresses.