Plane Crashes Into Houses Near Biggin Hill

A Cessna light aircraft believed to be carrying up to five people has crashed in a residential area in Kent.

The private aircraft collided with homes in Broadwater Gardens, Farnborough, the Metropolitan Police said.

A police spokesman said they were called just before 2.40pm.

London Fire Brigade sent three urban search and rescue teams along with another search and rescue unit and several fire engines.

It is not yet clear how many people have been injured. One house is reported to have been destroyed and another has been damaged by fire.

Karl Mills, who lives just across the road from the crash, said: "It nearly hit my house. I thought it was going to hit us."

He added: "It was the loudest noise I have ever heard. All I could see was a big ball of fire and smoke coming from the house."

Rachel Bancroft lives just around the corner from the crash site and said smoke can be seen from blocks away.

She said: "There are about three helicopters flying around - it's just crazy.

"I was just walking my kids just a little while before that, so it's really sort of freaked me out."

John Waite, who lives nearby, described hearing a very loud engine noise while sitting in his garden.

"There was black smoke which was pouring out for about five minutes after the crash.

"At the moment the area is full of helicopters. One has landed at the back of the school which is nearby.

"The smoke now seems to have stopped, maybe the fire is under control now."

Mr Waite said he and fellow members of the local residents' association had been concerned about the planes landing so close to the nearby Princess Royal Hospital.

He said: "They come over the hospital about 700ft above it."

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