Aircraft crashes at Bournemouth Air Festival injuring two people

Jimmy Nsubuga

Watch:Plane crash at Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth Air Festival has suspended flying after two people were injured in a light aircraft crash.

Police were called just before 4pm on Saturday to reports a small aircraft had gone down in the water in Sandbanks, Poole Harbour, during a display.

Both occupants were rescued and sustained minor injuries, authorities said.

The event has been suspended for the day, but organisers are hopeful it will resume on Sunday.

Read more: Police officer seriously hurt after car crashes into motorway bridge during stop

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: The Red Arrows perform during the Bournemouth Air Festival on September 02, 2021 in Bournemouth, England. The air show runs from the 02nd to 05th September and features numerous displays including a performances by the RAFAT Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Chinook and full Battle of Britain memorial flight. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
Crowds have been packed during the show. (Getty) (Finnbarr Webster via Getty Images)

A police statement said: “The aircraft was part of the Bournemouth Air Festival flight schedule with two people reported to be onboard.

“Both occupants have been rescued and are reported to have sustained minor injuries. They are receiving treatment by the ambulance service.

“An investigation is under way and we would please ask members of the public to avoid the area and harbour to allow emergency services to deal with the incident.”

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: The Red Arrows perform during the Bournemouth Air Festival on September 02, 2021 in Bournemouth, England. The air show runs from the 2nd to 5th September and features numerous displays including a performances by the RAFAT Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Chinook and full Battle of Britain memorial flight. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
The Red Arrows perform during the Bournemouth Air Festival on Thursday. (Getty) (Finnbarr Webster via Getty Images)

Bournemouth Air Festival added: “There has been an incident involving one of the displays away from the display area.

“The crew are safe and sound and are being looked after by the emergency services.

“As a result flying has been suspended until further notice.”

Read more: Bride stranded after breaking down on way to wedding

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers perform during the Bournemouth Air Festival on September 02, 2021 in Bournemouth, England. The air show runs from the 02nd to 05th September and features numerous displays including a performances by the RAFAT Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Chinook and full Battle of Britain memorial flight. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
Bournemouth Air Festival intends to reinstate flying on Sunday. (Getty) (Finnbarr Webster via Getty Images)

Police boats, HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) are at the scene.

Bournemouth Air Festival asked people not to contact the emergency services unless they had information regarding the incident.

Organisers added they were intending to reinstate flying on Sunday, saying: “The festival site remains open and all ground-based activities continue with the Birds of Prey, Beat Retreat, trading, Sing-a-long Grease and the fireworks.”

Watch: Man glides over seafront like Iron Man with hi-tech jetpack

Advertisement