Plane forced to make emergency landing in Paris garden
Small plane crash-lands into garden and hits apartment building wall after suffering engine failure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Four people have survived a plane crash in southern Paris after their small twin-engine aircraft made an emergency landing in a suburban garden.
Three of those on board were taken to hospital after the plane crashed into the wall of an apartment building in Villejuif, some 7km outside Paris, on Monday.
The plane was forced to make an emergency landing after suffering engine failure, transport minister Clement Beaune said in a tweet.
“Thanks to the emergency services who quickly intervened with the passengers of the plane which had to land urgently at #Villejuif after an engine failure,” he said.
He added that an investigation has been launched into the accident and the victims were being cared for.
Videos shared by a local television station showed the plane lying in the garden of an apartment building, with broken-off parts including the tail seen on the roof of a nearby garage.
The rear part of the aircraft became completely detached and its wings were also torn off by the impact of the crash.
The emergency landing was carried out due to a “technical problem”, said Sebastien Barthe, the communications director for the safety agency (BAE).
“We will examine all aspects, including the pilot’s health and the aircraft’s mechanical condition,” he said.
The plane took off from Rouen and was supposed to land in Toussus-le-Noble, near Versailles.
The incident halted road traffic in both directions as emergency services rushed to the site of the accident.
According to French media reports, the pilot was accompanied by a flying instructor in his 80s, as well as two passengers in their late 20s.
An investigation into possible charges including causing involuntary injuries and endangering the lives of others has been opened by the regional prosecutor and the air transport gendarmerie.
The transport minister said a separate investigation will also be carried out by the civil aviation authority.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments