In a shocking incident, a small plane crashed in the premises of an under-construction building in the densely-populated Ghatkopar area of Mumbai on Thursday, killing five people. The nerve-wracking images showed a damaged aircraft up in flames and a plume of smoke. The mishap could have been of a higher frequency had the pilots of the 12-seater aircraft not shown their presence of mind.  

The area where the crash took place is just next to many high-rise residential buildings. It is being reported that as the aircraft developed an engine snag, the pilots ensured that it did not hit any of the residential buildings. Had the plane crashed into a residential building, the number of casualties would have been much higher.

The selfless and heroic act of the pilot saved many lives. There were four people aboard the King Air C-90. The plane was on a test flight and had taken off just a few minutes ago from the Juhu airstrip.

Meanwhile, former civil aviation minister Praful Patel tweeted: "Saddened to hear about the unfortunate incident at #ghatkopar as Charter plane crashes in an open area. Salute to the pilot who showed presence of mind to avoid a big mishap, saving many lives at the cost of her own life. #RIP to all the 5 Dead. My deepest condolences."

Rushing to the direction from where they heard a "loud explosion", witnesses revealed how the fire billowing from the plane had spilt on the streets. One of the victims, a pedestrian, died of burn injuries after aviation fuel fell on him. The chartered plane’s black box has been found.

A statement by the DGCA read: "There were two pilots and two aircraft maintenance engineers on board. All onboard (the) aircraft along with one person on (the) ground are dead.”

Several fire engines are at the spot to carry out rescue operations. A National Disaster Response Force team will also assist in the operation.