Europe

Eight die as small plane crashes and catches fire in Finland

Three survive incident after parachuting from aircraft above Jamijarvi airfield

Personnel taking part in a search and rescue operation in woods near the Jamijarvi Airfield, southwest Finland, where a small passenger plane carrying parachuters crashed yesterday. Photograph: Mika Kanerva/Lehtikuva/Reuters
Personnel taking part in a search and rescue operation in woods near the Jamijarvi Airfield, southwest Finland, where a small passenger plane carrying parachuters crashed yesterday. Photograph: Mika Kanerva/Lehtikuva/Reuters
Mon Apr 21 2014 - 08:01

Eight people have died after a small plane carrying parachutists crashed to the ground and caught fire in Finland.

Police Det Supt Petri Kangas said three people survived the incident after they parachuted from the aircraft above Jamijarvi airfield, about 45 miles east of the south western town of Pori.

Mr Kangas said investigators did not know the cause of the incident but that "apparently some parts fell off the plane before it crashed".

Police said the eight victims were found in the badly burned aircraft, a Comp Air 8 kit aircraft, popular among parachutists.

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Police said all 11 people on board were accounted for and that the three survivors were being treated for minor injuries.

Press Association