Major incident after two gliders crash in mid-air and plummet to the ground
Two gliders collided in mid-air and plunged towards the ground in a devastating light aircraft crash this afternoon.
The terrifying incident happened in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire at around 3pm today.
Emergency services have declared a major incident after rushing to the scene in Leicester Road.
Witnesses watched on in horror as the two gliders ploughed into each other in the sky, with one spinning out of control.
Shocking pictures show one glider has suffered extensive damage after plummeting to the ground.
It’s not yet known if anyone is hurt – and if so, what the extent of their injuries are.
Police, paramedics and firefighters have been dealing with the incident in the Roundhouse Park housing estate throughout the evening.
One onlooker said: ‘One of the gliders has been completely obliterated. It would be a miracle if anyone has survived it.
‘They collided midair. There were a few in the sky at the time.
‘One of the gliders looks ok, but the other span out and was left in multiple pieces across the field.
‘It’s a shocking scene to say the least. They narrowly avoided the town.’
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: ‘We are aware of this incident and officers are in attendance along with the East Midlands Ambulance Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
‘The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has also been informed. We cannot provide any further information at this time.’
A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: ‘We received a mobilisation message at 15:03 to a report of a glider that has crashed.
‘We have a pump from Melton Mowbray and Birstall Fire Station in attendance, alongside the police and East Midlands Ambulance Service.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.