Light Aircraft Crashes in Wadi Ara, Catches Fire; One Trapped, One Injured

A light aircraft crashed in an open area near the entrance to the village of Kafr Qara in Wadi Ara, adjacent to Highway 65, on Friday morning, subsequently catching fire. According to reports from the scene, one person is trapped inside the aircraft, apparently unconscious, while another individual sustained moderate injuries and is receiving treatment from Magen David Adom (MDA) teams. Fire and rescue forces are working to extricate the trapped individual and combat the blaze that erupted at the crash site. Footage from the scene shows thick smoke billowing from the area and a large expanse of burnt vegetation, with fire outbreaks near structures. Firefighting and MDA vehicles are visible at the bottom of a slope, alongside emergency response teams. The initial report of the crash was received by MDA at 9:12 AM. Responders found one person trapped in the aircraft and began treating a second, conscious individual with moderate injuries outside the plane. The aircraft is believed to be a civilian light plane, possibly a crop duster. The fire department received a report shortly after and dispatched firefighters from Hadera. Police have closed Highway 65 in the area to traffic, redirecting drivers to alternative routes, and are urging the public to avoid the vicinity. The circumstances of the crash are currently unknown.