LIMPOPO –  A light aircraft crashed in Hamasakona village at around 07:00 last Tuesday.

The aircraft, en route from one of the ZZ2 farms in Mooketsi to Musina, experienced mechanical problems and was forced to make an emergency landing. Remarkably, all four occupants of the plane escaped with only minor injuries.

Residents quickly gathered at the crash site, relieved to find that the passengers had emerged almost unscathed. Vhembe police spokesperson Srt Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft had departed from Mooketsi before crashing to the ground.

“The police were summoned and responded swiftly along with all relevant role players. A search and rescue operation ensued, and the team reached the accident site,” said Dathi.

“The four passengers sustained minor injuries and were flown to hospital. The cause of the crash is under investigation.”

Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene provided further details, noting that the pilot reported mechanical failure before attempting an emergency landing.

“The pilot hit a tree while trying to land. There were four occupants, including the pilot. One passenger had a scratch on the head, but there were no serious injuries,” Chuene said.

A witness, Ndzalama Tsuvuka described the dramatic scene as the plane descended rapidly and crashed.

“Everyone was running towards the scene. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. We were glad no one was injured. We were surprised because it’s the first time we’ve experienced a plane crash in this village,” he said.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.