Small-plane crash leaves eight dead in Peñalolén

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SANTIAGO.-  According to police, a small plane used to train law-enforcement officers crashed this morning in the municipality of Peñalolén, leaving eight people dead and injuring several women and children. 

The aircraft crashed in a soccer field at the Peñalolén Municipal Stadium located in the Villa El Mirador neighborhood at 10:00 AM today.

Those killed in the crash included Captain Luciano Castro, who had been flying the plane, a deputy officer and four civilians – all of whom were passengers on the aircraft.

Women and children who were injured are being transferred by police helicopters and ambulances to various medical facilities to receive care.

Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers from the 43rd Police Station in Peñalolén have arrived at the scene of the disaster and closed off the area.

Dozens of women and children had been playing on the field when the accident occurred.  According to a neighbor, the plane “wobbled in the air before falling on the people”. 

Eyewitnesses have reported that a plume of smoke could be seen coming aircraft before it crashed, leading to speculation that the plane was experiencing technical problems.