Four people killed in Somerset light aircraft crash

Avon and Somerset Constublary attended the scene just before noon today

The six-seater aircraft crashed into a field near Buttles Lane (Google Maps)

Four people have been killed in a fatal light aircraft crash in Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary attended the scene just before noon today near the village of Churchinford in Somerset.

Four people - two men and two women - travelling in the six-seater aircraft died in the collision, police have confirmed.

The aircraft was heading from the Surrey area towards Dunkeswell Aerodrome – an airfield in east Devon, but crashed into a field near Buttles Lane.

Officers have been working at the scene, along with crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service.

The fire service was also in attendance, who sent three specialist vehicles and five officers to deal with the incident.

The ambulance service dispatched two land ambulances, an officer and the Exeter-based Hazardous Area Response Team.

The Exeter-based Devon Air Ambulance and the National Police Air Service helicopter also attended.

Police have confirmed that road closures are in place.

Superintendent Richard Corrigan said: “This is a very sad incident in which four people have tragically lost their lives.

“It’s too early to give any further details about the victims but we’re ensuring specially trained officers are making contact with their next of kin and giving them all the support they need.

“We’ve been working very closely with our colleagues from the other emergency services at the scene to make the area safe and ensure the resulting investigation can proceed.

“The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed and is deploying a team of investigators.

“There are road closures in place and we’d respectfully ask people not to attend the scene.”