Emergency services have launched a search and rescue operation following reports that two aeroplanes crashed in the mountains near Nottingham Road in KZN this afternoon.

The Witness reports that, according to responders at the scene, visibility is poor due to mist and drizzle, making search efforts difficult.

“A team has gone up the mountain to search. However, it’s very misty and drizzling, which is making things a bit challenging,” said one emergency services official.

Gregory Critchley from the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) said that they immediately alerted search and rescue teams through the KZN early warning network to activate for a search and rescue operation.

“In total, the ARCC is currently co-ordinating a search and rescue operation for two aircraft that failed to arrive at their destination.

“The [search and rescue] operation is being led by the SAPS search and rescue team KZN, assisted by SARZA KZN, Mountain SAR, HAMNET, K9SARA, Midlands EMS, IPSS search and Rescue, Freddies Fire Services and Clandestine Drone Operations,” said Critchley.

If there are any sightings of the missing aircraft or information, the public is urged to contact the ARCC on 0635054164 or 0635055485 immediately.

Details about the exact location of the aircraft and whether there are any casualties or injuries remain unclear. It is also not yet known how many people were on board the planes.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said they are in liaison with experts from the ARCC in support of search and rescue efforts.

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