17-1-2024 (TALCA) A devastating incident unfolded in the Chilean city of Talca on Monday when a firefighting mission took a tragic turn. The National Forest Management Company dispatched two small aircraft to combat wildfires in the area. Unexpectedly, one of the planes collided with a power pole during a low-altitude flight, erupting into flames and resulting in a fatal crash.
The calamity occurred at approximately 4:30 pm, capturing the attention of onlookers who happened to witness the horrifying scene. Videos recorded by witnesses depict the two planes speeding across a highway near Talca. The second plane flew perilously low, barely above pedestrians’ heads, and tragically struck a telephone pole while attempting to ascend. The collision caused the wing to shatter, engulfing the entire aircraft in flames before plummeting onto the road like a fiery meteor.
Eyewitness Seth described the harrowing experience, stating, “The first plane flew very low, shocking the driver of the car I was in. Shortly after, the second plane hit two pillars, rushed across the road like a fireball, and then collided with a parked truck.” He added that if their driver had not reduced speed when the first plane passed overhead, they might have been directly beneath the second plane.
Another Video Air plane #crash at the #Panguilemo airfield in Talca of Maule Region, Chile.
The plane fell on Route 5 South, the country’s main land route, landing on a truck and a car.
The pilot of the aircraft was killed, runways closed.#Chile #Planecrash #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/uqsoGOnXdK— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) January 16, 2024
The crash affected two cars, resulting in the tragic death of 58-year-old Spanish pilot Fernando Solans. He succumbed to severe injuries caused by the fiery impact. Four individuals from the affected vehicles sustained critical injuries, intensifying the gravity of the incident.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed condolences on social media, mourning the loss of pilot Fernando Solans. He acknowledged the challenging and noble task undertaken by thousands of individuals annually to combat forest fires.
