Australia Day ended in tragedy when two people were killed as a plane plunged into Perth’s Swan River.
It happened in front of hundreds of horrified onlookers who were celebrating Australia Day on the river.
A man and woman, believed to have been husband and wife, died around 5pm after the plane seemed to lose power while attempting to land.
The Australian reports the plane that crashed was a VH-CQA Gumman that was part of Australia Day entertainment on the river.
Many people caught footage of the tragedy, which some may find upsetting.
The crash was witnessed by hundreds of people who’d been gathering all day to see the city’s fireworks display.
The display was cancelled as a mark of respect:
“Out of respect to the deceased and their families City of Perth has cancelled the Skyworks,” police said in a statement. “People are asked to start leaving the city area and those that were planning to come into the city are asked to stay away.”
WA Police acting commissioner Stephen Brown told reporters it was a miracle the plane didn’t hit other people.
“For reasons yet unknown, it’s entered the waterway, thankfully without injuring anyone else on the ground or any other people who are here at the event,” he said.
Our deepest condolences go out to family and friends of the deceased.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
