Pilot Dead in Bangkok Airways Flight PG266 Crash

Pilot of a Thai plane was killed while seven of the 68 passengers on board sustained injuries as the ATR – 72 twin turboprop skidded off the runway while landing on the tourist island of Koh Samui amid heavy rain, say media reports.

None of those injured were identified, but officials say many of those aboard the Bangkok Airways flight PG266 were tourists.

The airplane hit an old and unmanned control tower at Koh Samui, its destination, as it landed in from the southern Thai town of Krabi.

BBC citing hospital sources said four of those hurt were Britons and added that none were said to be seriously hurt.

Thai civil aviation officials have confirmed the death of the pilot, they added that those onboard the craft included 68 passengers, two pilots and two crew members.

They added that weather conditions were “very bad” at the time of the landing with heavy rain and wind.

The plane suffered heavy damage to its front after it hit a building that had once served as an air traffic control tower, but is now part of a fire-fighting station, say local policemen.

Correspondents in Bangkok say some of the injured suffered fractured legs, and added that they were being treated at various hospitals on the island, some 480km south of the Thai capital.

The runway at the airport remains closed and at least one Thai Airways flight was reportedly cancelled.