18 August 2023 , 09:31
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A pilot has died following the horror mid-air collision involving two gliders in Leicestershire.
Leicestershire Police were called to reports of a light aircraft crashing after hitting another glider in the air on Thursday around 3pm. The glider was found in a field in Alderman Way, Melton Mowbray, and the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second glider landed safely nearby and its pilot suffered minor injuries.
A force spokesperson said: "Officers attended the scene and were assisted by colleagues from East Midlands Ambulance Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue, who also attended. Leicestershire Police is continuing to support the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) who will be leading on the investigation into the incident."
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 422 of August 17.
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The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has also been informed about the tragedy. One witness said their wife had been lying on the sunbed in the garden when they heard an 'almighty bang', before seeing one of the gliders narrowly miss the nearby town as it hit the ground.
The site of the crash in Melton Mowbray (Tom Maddick / SWNS)Speaking anonymously to Leicestershire Live, they said: "We have just witnessed two gliders colliding in mid-air above the Melton Mowbray area. My wife was lying on her sunbed and called me to look at four gliders circling in the sky above us. All of a sudden there was an almighty bang after 2 gliders had hit each other.
"They came crashing down to the ground. One very close to Melton. It was an horrific sight and has made us both feel sick."
On Thursday, Alicia Kearns, local Conservative MP for Rutland and Melton, wrote on the X social media platform (formerly Twitter) that she was "saddened" by the incident. She added: "My thoughts are with all the families and loved ones of those hurt in the crash. I know everyone in our communities will be wishing a full recovery to all, and will be waiting for news."