Plane crashes into Blackbushe Airport car auction

A private plane has "nosedived" into a car auction, causing an explosion at a Hampshire airport.

Eyewitnesses said the light aircraft burst into flames on impact when it crashed at Blackbushe Airport just after 15:00 BST.

South East Coast Ambulance Service initially tweeted there were four casualties, but later said the number of injured people was unconfirmed.

British Car Auctions in Farnham said its Yateley warehouse was evacuated.

Andrew Thomas, who was paying for a car at the time, saw the plane catch fire on impact.

"I saw it when it had just happened, and could see the plane and cars in flames," he said.

"The plane nosedived into the cars and exploded on impact.

"I have heard from staff here that four people were on the plane."

Robert Belcher said he saw a "a big column of smoke" as he was passing the airport on his way home

"I could see the plume of smoke waving from about five miles away and was hoping it was just a car fire rather than an aircraft accident."

"Apparently the aircraft was landing and just didn't stop.

"At the end of the runway there is a car park, because the airport is used for car auctions, and it's gone into there."

Nathan Greenwood, who was in his car nearby at the time of the crash, said he saw "intense smoke" as police blocked off the road.

Hampshire Police said officers were called to the scene at 15:09 BST.

The A30 had been closed both ways between A327 Cricket Hill Lane and Blackbushes Road, but has since reopened.

However, the airport access road is closed from the A30 junction. Police have warned people to avoid the area.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it was aware and making inquiries.

BBC