via Updated: Two die in Air Force plane crash 5 September 2014
TWO Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) officers died yesterday afternoon when their SF260 trainer aircraft crashed at a compound in Mt Hampden, close to Charles Prince Airport.
AFZ spokesperson Squadron Leader Simon Matingwina confirmed the accident that claimed the crew on board.
He said the names of the deceased were being withheld until their next of kin have been notified.
AFZ Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri last night said news of the accident and the death of the aircrew had been received with shock and deepest sorrow.
“We are deeply saddened by the aircraft accident which has claimed the lives of our officers. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of these courageous officers who died in the line of duty,” he said in a statement.
“The cause of the accident will be determined after aircraft accident investigations. Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”
When the news team arrived at the accident scene, AFZ officers, Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe officials were present and the scene had been cordoned off while investigations were taking place.
Although journalists were barred from taking photographs, pictures of the wreckage and mangled bodies had already gone viral on social media, including Whatsapp.
COMMENTS
I am surprised this does not happen more frequently.
Flying a Chinese deathtrap ? In the line of ” what ” duty ?????training to suppress ?????
Deepest sympathy to the families at this time. Mugabe you now bury them at Heroes acreage.
Shiri is yet to extend his sympathies to the families of those murdered by his Gukurahundi.