The SAPS conveyed its condolences to the families of the five passengers killed in yesterday’s aircraft crash at Rand Airport in Germiston.

Also read: Rand Airport crash: 5 killed when SAPS fixed wing aircraft crashes

Colonel Athlenda Mathe, SAPS national spokesperson, said the plane was attempting to take off when it crashed.

It was previously reported that the pilot survived the crash.

“Four technicians and one warrant officer were among the passengers on board. They were declared dead on the scene and the pilot was airlifted to the nearest hospital where he was admitted in critical condition,” said Mathe.

Also read: Three seriously injured in aircraft crash landing near Alberton

“The technicians were from a company contracted by the SAPS to maintain the aircraft. The aircraft was used by SAPS to provide assistance to forces on the ground during crime prevention operations. The warrant officer on board was on duty and part of the routine crime prevention operations.

“We established a board of enquiry to investigate the crash,” said Mathe.