Yesterday (Thursday, 17th August), the tragedy that hit Elmina, Shah Alam shook the nation. A light aircraft was seen flying erratically before crashing at the site. More videos and photos that showed the moment the plane crashed have circulated everywhere on social media.
A total of 10 victims were reported to have died at the scene, including Pahang state executive council member Datuk Seri Johari Harun who happened to be one of the passengers on the flight.
According to several news reports, the plane has been identified as a Beechcraft premiere twin-jet with the tail number N28jV that departed from Langkawi carrying 6 passengers and two flight crew onboard. Witnesses came forward with statements detailing the horrific things they saw and heard at the site. One even claimed to have heard one of the victims screaming in pain before he passed.
To make things even more disturbing, this incident marks the second time a plane had crashed in the area. 46 years ago, a Japanese aircraft carrying 79 people crashed at the same site, which was a rubber plantation then, in 1977. A total of 34 people were killed and 42 survived the disaster. According to reports back then, the plane was supposed to land at Subang International Airport (now known as Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).
However, due to the thunderstorm, the control tower suggested the pilot land in Singapore. The airport lost contact with the plane moments after. Minutes later, everyone received news of a plane crash after another pilot of a Malaysian airline flight caught sight of a huge fire not too far from the airport.
Who knew that 46 years later, a similar tragedy would occur in the same area? The cause of the recent crash is still yet to be determined as investigations are still ongoing. We offer our deepest condolences to all the victims’ families. May they get through this difficult time.
Sources: TheStar (1)(2), TheSunDaily, NST (1)(2)
