Investigators have issued an update on an air crash in Wigan — after a light aircraft plummeted into a field near Astley. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 1pm on Sunday (May 30) to the field, off Rindle Road.
Two men were taken to hospital with ‘serious’ injuries, a Fire Service spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News. The pair were in their 50s and 70s.
Now, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has issued an update on the incident. It has confirmed it is launching an investigation into the crash.
The spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: “We have been notified of an accident in the Tyldesley, Greater Manchester area involving a light aircraft. We have launched an investigation and we are gathering information about the accident in co-operation with local authorities and police.”
Five fire engines were deployed to the scene yesterday, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said. The statement added: "Just before 1.30pm this afternoon, five fire engines from Farnworth, Leigh, Irlam and Atherton, along with a Technical Response Unit from Leigh were called to reports of an aircraft crash on Rindle Road, Tyldesley.
“Crews quickly arrived at the scene and worked to make the area safe. Firefighters using trauma equipment and a long board worked with colleagues from Northwest Ambulance Service to treat two people at the scene, before they were taken to the hospital."
Residents nearby have spoken of their shock on witnessing the crash. One woman said: "I didn't have a clue what was going on - I just heard all the sirens and looked outside and saw police and firefighters running through the field.
"It is extremely quiet around here, I have lived here for six years, and was really shocked when I saw them all. I knew it must've been something serious, but I hadn't heard the plane crash."
