14 September 2026 , 16:56
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Three people have died after a light aircraft crashed in a field in Germany.
The incident involved a Cessna plane that crashed in Erkelenz, Rhineland, in western Germany. All of the occupants were killed in the collision, a police spokesperson said.
The crash took place at about 11.20am local time (10.20am BST) today. The Cessna 172 crashed into a field near the village of Erkelenz-Gerderath.
Pictures from the scene show the plane completely destroyed at the edge of a field as a number of firefighters are in attendance.
The Federal Office for Air Navigation Services is investigating the incident.
No information about the identity of those deceased has been released.
German news outlet Bild reports that the aircraft took off from north of Utrecht in the Netherlands before entering German airspace near the A52 motorway.
The aircraft, which has capacity for four people, encountered difficulties shortly after and crashed.
A police spokesperson told Bild: "The aircraft was carrying three people. All three died in the crash."
The small Erkelenz-Kückhoven airfield is located approximately six miles from the crash site.
Besides a significant number of police officers and firefighters, a German Armed Forces rescue helicopter was also sent to the scene, according to Tagesschau.
Head of Investigations