Thu, 23 Oct 2025

 

Plane burst into flames after takeoff crash, leaving 2 dead at airport
 
By: Abara Blessing Oluchi
Thu, 23 Oct 2025   ||   Nigeria,
 

A tragic plane crash in Venezuela claimed two lives and left two others injured after a Piper Cheyenne I aircraft burst into flames shortly after takeoff on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

According to report, the incident occurred at Paramillo Airport in Táchira State, with the plane crashing within the vicinity of San Cristóbal National Park, moments after takeoff.

A shocking video circulating online shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before tilting sharply, striking one of its wings on the ground, and exploding into a massive fireball.

Witnesses watching from nearby can be heard screaming in horror as the plane hit the ground and burst into flames.

According to Mail Online, local authorities identified the deceased as Toni Bortone and Juan Maldonado. Two other passengers survived but sustained serious injuries.

Preliminary reports suggest the pilot may have lost control after one of the aircraft’s tires exploded during takeoff.

Emergency services, including firefighters, Táchira Civil Protection, and the Bolivarian National Police (PNB), rushed to the crash site around noon, battling the blaze and pulling survivors from the wreckage.

Officials confirmed that the aircraft was being used for government logistics activities, although further details about its mission remain under investigation.

The ill-fated aircraft was identified as a Piper Cheyenne I (PA-31T1), a twin-engine turboprop manufactured by Piper Aircraft in the late 1970s.

The model is widely used for both civilian and governmental operations due to its powerful engines, efficiency, and strong safety record.

Aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash, focusing on possible mechanical failure or maintenance issues.

This latest tragedy follows another aviation incident in Venezuela last month.

In September, a Learjet 55 crashed near Simón Bolívar International Airport outside Caracas while attempting to depart amid adverse weather conditions.

Two passengers were injured in that accident but were rescued and later reported to be in stable condition.

 

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