Six police officers dead after plane crashes in Thailand 

A small private plane crashed into the Gulf of Thailand near Cha-Am in Phetchaburi Province, killing all six passengers, Thai police confirmed. The victims, all police officers including the pilot, were on a test flight preparing for a parachute training exercise when the aircraft went down at 8:25 a.m. local time. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, no one survived.

Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Thailand’s national chief, hurried to Cha-Am to oversee operations and support the investigation into the crash’s cause. “The families of the victims will receive full support, and we’ll arrange funerals,” he said. “I’ve ordered a thorough probe to find out what happened.”

A Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police spokesperson added, “The crash site is far from shore, making rescue efforts tough. We’re working with other agencies and will share updates as we get them.”

Photos from the scene show wreckage floating in the water and emergency teams gathered along the coast. Four officers died on impact, and two others, including a man believed to be the pilot, were rushed to a hospital but later pronounced dead. The officers’ identities have not been released.

The Royal Thai Police expressed deep condolences, noting the loss of their colleagues. This crash adds to a series of aviation tragedies this year, including a helicopter crash in New York City that killed a family of five and the death of stunt pilot Rob Holland in Virginia days before an air show.

The Daily Mirror contributed to this article.