World News: In a tragic incident over Sydneys southwest on Saturday, three individuals lost their lives when two light planes collided midair. The crash, which emergency responders deemed “unsurvivable,” occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m. near Belimbla Park, close to Oakdale.The aftermath of the crashEmergency crews swiftly responded to the incident, locating the first downed aircraft, a Cessna 182, which had erupted into flames upon impact. According to NSW Police Acting Superintendent Timothy Calman, the Cessna, carrying two unidentified passengers, was believed to be traveling from Cessnock to Wollongong. A kilometer north, responders discovered the wreckage of a second aircraft, a Jabiru, carrying a single male passenger who was pronounced dead at the scene.A midair collision and uncontrollable skiesSupt. Calman confirmed that initial findings indicate a “midair collision” between the planes, with witnesses describing debris falling from the sky. Both aircraft were operating in uncontrolled airspace, with the Jabiru believed to have taken off from Oaks Airfield nearby. NSW Ambulance Inspector Joseph Ibrahim described the scene as confronting and confirmed that despite the dispatch of 10 ambulance resources, including a helicopter, “nothing could be done.” Local authorities have since set up two crime scenes to facilitate further investigation and have requested public cooperation to stay clear of the area.Community shock and ongoing investigationsLocal officials, including Wollondilly Shire Councillor Suzy Brandstater, expressed grief over the accident, calling it “horrific” and a “terrible shock.” The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will now lead a comprehensive investigation, urging any witnesses with footage of the crash to come forward.
