Preparations for the funerals of three young South Africans who tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash are currently under way. The victims, Nqobile Biyela (23), Lulama Msane (23), and Siphesihle Buthelezi (20), perished on Sunday when their light aircraft crashed near Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the Department of Transport and Human Settlements, the trio was aboard a light aircraft whose wreckage was located by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) team in dense bushland. The department confirmed that the post-mortem examinations have been completed and that the bodies will soon be handed over to their grieving families for burial arrangements to commence
Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya confirmed that the families are being supported as they prepare to bid farewell to their loved ones. “We can confirm that the mortal remains of the three victims will be handed over to their respective families for burial. As a department, we are providing the necessary support during this difficult time,” Sibiya said.
All three victims hailed from KwaZulu-Natal. Biyela and Msane were both young, aspiring pilots with promising futures in aviation, while Buthelezi was a medical student, remembered for her dedication and bright spirit.
The tragic incident unfolded after the three departed from Virginia Airport in Durban, intending to refuel at Ladysmith Airport on their way to Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria. However, as evening approached, the group was forced to alter their plans due to the lack of night landing facilities at Ladysmith. They decided to divert to Greytown Airport.
What followed was a chain of tragic events. The first aircraft in the formation, a Piper Cherokee, crashed into dense bush during its approach to the runway at Greytown. Fortunately, both occupants survived the crash, though the aircraft sustained significant damage. The second aircraft in the group managed to land safely at Greytown Airport without incident.
It was the third aircraft, carrying Biyela, Msane, and Buthelezi, that failed to arrive, prompting a large-scale search. The wreckage was discovered on Monday by the ARCC team, confirming the worst fears of their families and friends.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has since dispatched its Accident and Incident Investigations Division to both crash sites to gather evidence and determine the exact cause of the incident. Investigations are ongoing, and officials are working to establish the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
The loss of three young lives has sent shockwaves through both the aviation and local communities. Tributes have poured in for the victims, with many expressing heartbreak over the potential lost in the tragedy.
As the affected families begin funeral preparations, South Africans across the country continue to mourn the devastating loss of these promising young individuals.
