Incident Overview

On Friday morning, a tragic accident occurred off the coast of Hua Hin, Thailand, when a propeller aircraft crashed into the ocean, resulting in the deaths of six police officers. The incident took place while the plane was conducting a test flight in preparation for parachute training.

Details of the Crash

The aircraft, identified as a Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter, reportedly plummeted into the waters just 330 feet offshore. Video footage captured the harrowing moment of the aircraft’s descent prior to impact. Initial reports indicate that the plane may have broken apart upon crashing.

According to the Royal Thai Police spokesperson, Archayon Kraithong, the incident happened around 8 a.m. local time. Five of the six officers were pronounced dead at the scene, while the sixth officer, serving as the pilot, succumbed to injuries later at a hospital.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the crash. Evidence is being gathered from the plane’s black box to better understand the circumstances leading up to the accident. The crash site is located near a luxury hotel and in proximity to Hua Hin Airport, further complicating the search and recovery operations.

Support for Victims’ Families

National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet expressed condolences and emphasized the commitment to supporting the families of the deceased. “The families of the victims will be closely supported and funeral arrangements will be made for them,” he stated. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the tragedy.

Tribute to the Fallen Officers

The Royal Thai Police honored the sacrifices of the fallen officers through a heartfelt tribute on their official Facebook page, acknowledging the profound loss to their families and the broader community.