Search and rescue teams are at the scene of an aeroplane crash at Suncoast Beach in Durban.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said video footage circulating on social media showed the light aircraft ascending before turning and crashing into the ocean on Thursday afternoon.
He said initial reports were the aeroplane was doing displays before the crash.
Paramedics were on the beach with police search and rescue teams and the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Sisa Majola said the accident and incident investigations division confirmed the crash occurred at an air show at the beachfront.
“The accident occurred at about 1.45pm when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft performing its final display crashed into the sea.”
eThekwini municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said Battery Beach would be temporarily closed pending search and rescue operations to find the pilot.
“Emergency services, including search and rescue teams, are on site and responding to the incident,” she said.
“The safety of the public remains our priority and we urge beachgoers to avoid the area while operations are under way.”
The aircraft involved was participating in an air show linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit.
TimesLIVE
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