Omroep Brabant / Robert te VeeleBrokstukken op de A58
In association with
Broadcasting Brabant
NOS News•yesterday, 13:03•Modified yesterday, 19:17
On the A58 at the exit St. Willebrord an airplane from a flight school in Breda crashed. The pilot of the airplane died in the crash. Apart from the pilot there were no other people on board.
The plane crashed on the road from Breda to Roosendaal. The deceased pilot was the only victim.
Images of the smoke plume and debris on the road:
Plane crashed on A58 motorway, pilot dead
A few hours after the accident, Vliegschool Breda Aviation confirmed that one of their aircraft had crashed. The company did not share any further details about the accident or the aircraft. According to the initial findings of the Dutch Safety Board, it concerns a single-engine aircraft that had departed from Breda International Airport.
“The dismay is great,” the flight school says in a response on its own website. “The sadness and disbelief are indescribable. Our thoughts go out to the wife, family and relatives.” The company will remain closed for the coming days and says it cannot be reached for further comment.
After the crash, no vehicles collided with the wreckage. The highway towards Roosendaal is closed between Etten-Leur and Rucphen, reports the ANWB. The road is expected to remain closed all evening. The road from Bergen op Zoom towards Breda is now open again.
NOSThe location of the plane crash on the A58.
Broadcasting Brabant spoke with people who saw the plane crash. “I saw something turn and go down,” says eyewitness Walter. “It looks like a small plane, I thought. When it had fallen, I suddenly saw a fireball and then smoke.”
John Koks from Etten-Leur saw the plane crash behind him when he took the St. Willebrord exit. “I thought: this is not going well. He flew 150 meters away from me, straight down with his nose”, says Koks. “Behind me I saw that plane hit the asphalt. It was one big black fireball. I’m still shaking.”
The municipality of Rucphen reports that it has heard with great sadness about the fatal plane crash. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the victim,” says mayor Marjolein van der Meer Mohr.
