Durban – Emergency services in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are conducting search and rescue operations for two aircraft that went missing near Nottingham Road in the Midlands on Wednesday, amid reports of a possible crash.
Reports say that the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) was alerted after one aircraft sent a Mayday signal and has since coordinated a joint operation involving SAPS, SARZA KZN, Mountain SAR, HAMNET, K9SARA, Midlands EMS, IPSS Search and Rescue, Freddies Fire Services, and Clandestine Drone Operations.
[BREAKING NEWS] KwaZulu-Natal emergency medical services are at the scene of a plane crash on Nottingham Road in the Midlands. KZN Transport Spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says poor visibility is hindering rescue teams from reaching the crash site. pic.twitter.com/eq4TPNKynr
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 15, 2025
KZN authorities confirmed that road traffic management is being enforced to prevent distractions as search efforts continue, with poor visibility affecting operations.
It remains unclear whether the missing aircraft were commercial planes.
The priority is to locate any survivors if a crash occurred.
[WATCH] KwaZulu-Natal transport authorities are responding to reports of a missing light aircraft in the Midlands. KZN Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says they don’t know how many people were in the plane.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/tr2o4WUFjI
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 15, 2025
The search comes shortly after a separate KZN incident last month, in which 61-year-old pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray’s light aircraft crashed into the ocean during an air show in Durban, resulting in his death.
An inquest has been opened into that accident.
[BREAKING NEWS] Two planes go missing in KwaZulu-Natal. Search and rescue operation is underway in KZN Midlands for an aircraft that disappeared while flying in the area.
Tune into #Newzroom405 for more developments on this story. pic.twitter.com/tJM9Y0tuTD
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 15, 2025
Plane Crash on Fort Nottingham Road. All necessary services on scene. Due to the misty conditions in the area the plane is hard to locate. Further updates to follow
14:55 • October 15🎥 Via LSS#KHUSELASECURE #TRAFFIC247KZN pic.twitter.com/mI28MJqZqp
— NANCY PALIEN (@NancyPalien1) October 15, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
