Major incident in Melton as gliders crash after ‘colliding with each …
A major incident is ongoing near Melton[1] after two gliders are believed to have collided mid-air. Leicestershire Police[2], Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service, and an Air Ambulance are in attendance at the scene.
According to an eyewitness, two gliders collided in the air above Melton, narrowly missing the town as they crashed into the ground. Reports have suggested the incident is off Leicester Road on the outskirts of Melton, with emergency services confirming they received a call just after 3pm.
Speaking anonymously to LeicestershireLive, the eyewitness 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."
Leicestershire Police has confirmed they are in attendance at the scene, with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch also being informed. A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: "We are aware of this incident and officers are in attendance along with the East Midlands Ambulance Service[4] 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 spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service[5] 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 EMAS."
References
- ^ Melton (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ New speed camera locations in Leicester and Leicestershire with 23 sites added to patrols - the list in full (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ East Midlands Ambulance Service (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)