Belgium: 2 dead as light aircraft slams into vehicle while landing

At an airport in eastern Belgium, a light aircraft struck a car when it was trying to land in strong winds on Sunday, killing two persons, according to authorities.

When the landing attempt failed, the aircraft struck a car that was parked on the street next to the airfield in Spa, igniting a fire in both vehicles.

“Unfortunately, we have two people dead in the plane. It seems it was a failed landing,” local police commander Jean-Michel Lejeune was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

The officer stated that although the pilot was German, the passenger’s nationality is still being looked into.

The driver of the car reportedly escaped for a cigarette break, which is likely what saved his life, according to media reports.

Images on Belgian media show the burned-out wreckage of the car and dense clouds of black smoke rising close to the runway, while emergency vehicles are obstructing traffic.

According to reports, environmental protection authorities are also present to make sure that the well-known spring water that is bottled in Spa is not contaminated.

(With agency inputs)