Two people dead after plane crashes into residential area in Argentina
Two crew members have been killed after a private Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft crashed at San Fernando Airport near Buenos Aires in Argentina.
The pilot and co-pilot died after their plane failed to brake upon landing, veered off the runway and smashed into nearby houses, causing a massive explosion.
The incident occurred around midday local time yesterday, when the aircraft was returning from a trip to Punta del Este.
The plane crashed through a perimeter fence after failing to stop, ploughing into a line of houses at high speed.
Reports suggest the aircraft attempted to accelerate and take off again after overshooting the runway, but was unsuccessful.
The jet erupted into flames upon impact, with firefighters rushing to the scene to battle the blaze.
Investigators are now examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the crash.
The deceased crew members were identified as pilot Martin Fernandez Loza, 46, and co-pilot Agustin Orforte, 35.
The aircraft belonged to Jorge Brito, owner of Banco Macro and president of the River Plate soccer club.
In a tragic coincidence, Brito’s father, also named Jorge Brito, lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2020.
One resident described the terrifying moment she witnessed the crash.
She said: “We saw the plane coming at full speed. We heard it. We were in the yard, and we saw it coming from behind the bars. It was coming straight at us.
“We started running to the back. If we didn’t break the wall, we would have died there with the plane.”
A 73-year-old man who lived in one of the damaged homes was taken to hospital following the crash.