S. Africa Plane Crash Kills 13 Top Jockeys, 10 Others
- Share via
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The pilot of an old DC-3 aircraft reported fire on board before the plane smashed into a field, killing 13 top South Africa jockeys and 10 trainers and horse racing officials, an official said today.
The twin-engined aircraft was taking the racing officials to a race meeting near Johannesburg when it crashed overnight near the railroad town of Henneman, 155 miles southwest of here.
Bodies and wreckage, including the jockeys’ riding equipment, were strewn over a wide area. Witnesses said the gruesome scene was lit by burning corn set afire by the crash and a subsequent explosion.
The race meeting at Newmarket where they had been due to ride today was canceled and will be held later as a benefit for the bereaved families.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
