Bad weather hinders rescue efforts after light aircraft crashes in Pietermaritzburg: KZN EMS

KwaZulu-Natal emergency management services (EMS) say inclement weather conditions are hindering rescue efforts after a light aircraft crash in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday afternoon.

Rescue teams have confirmed that a light aircraft has crashed in Nottingham between Mooi River and Pietermaritzburg.

Rescuers say they can't determine the number of people who were in the aircraft and will provide further details when the incident has been adequately assessed.

The KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate has been roped in to manage the flow of traffic along a route in Pietermaritzburg, where a light aircraft is believed to have crashed this afternoon.

While details remain sketchy, the provincial Department of Transport said a multidisciplinary search effort is underway.

It is unclear how many people were on board.

The KZN Department of Transport spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, explained: “We can indicate that we are currently liaising with the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Coordination Centre. They have indicated to us that there is a plane missing in the KZN Midlands. They have requested that we assist in terms of the management of traffic in the area.”