A light aircraft, believed to be carrying two individuals, crashed near a town in the UK, prompting swift response from emergency services at farmland near the M62 in Littleborough, Rochdale around 11am. The aircraft, identified as a small Cirrus SR 20 that had departed from Birmingham, was equipped with a parachute system, as indicated by images on social media showing a yellow parachute canopy caught on a nearby pylon.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident, stating that they are actively responding to the crash to determine the extent of the situation and any potential casualties. A designated area has been cordoned off to facilitate the investigation, urging the public to avoid the vicinity during the emergency operations.

Eyewitnesses, including Stephanie Mills from Dickey Steps Riding School and Andrew Mayall from Whittaker Golf Club, described seeing the conspicuous yellow parachute connected to the pylon, with Mayall initially mistaking it for a large sheet due to the windy conditions in the area.

The aircraft involved was a small Cirrus SR20, a composite monoplane with four or five seats, taking off from Birmingham before encountering difficulties. Responders from various agencies, including police, paramedics, and firefighters, were present at the scene near Tunshill Lane, adjacent to Tunshill Golf Club, where an air ambulance was dispatched and later landed at Salford Royal Hospital.

Local farmer Pete Robinson recounted hearing sirens while tending to his sheep and witnessing a significant emergency response near Blackstone Edge. He observed what appeared to be a paraglider on the moor edge initially, noting the challenging wind conditions on the elevated terrain. Robinson expressed hope for the well-being of those involved, considering the harsh weather conditions in the area.