A HAMPSHIRE couple survived the plane crash in Venezuela in which a six-yearold boy was killed, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Sarah Phillips, an administrator at the Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill in Southampton, was one of the passengers on board a Cessna aircraft, which came down in the tourist destination of Canaima.

Her husband Gary Phillips was also on the aircraft, which was carrying a number of British tourists when it came down near the runway just after take off on Friday.

Thomas Horne, six, from Camberley, Surrey, was killed in the incident, while eight others were taken to hospital in Cuidad Bolivar.

The Daily Echo understands that Mr and Mrs Phillips, who live on the Great Woodley Estate in Romsey, escaped serious injury in the crash.

At their home last night, a young women who declined to give her name would only say that the couple were “OK” and being “well looked after”.

The plane, a Cessna 208 Caravan, was travelling to the popular tourist destination Angel Falls when the drama unfolded.

The child died from head injuries while his father David Horne, 43, and mother Jane, 36, a former nurse, were taken to hospital.

The excursion to Angel Falls had been organised by tour operator First Choice.

A spokeswoman for the holiday company said: “At this stage, we are unable to confirm exact details of the accident, however we can confirm that the customer was on an excursion organised by First Choice.

“Safety of our guests is our absolute priority and all flights with the aircraft operator, LTA (Aerotuey), have been suspended as a full investigation into this incident is launched. First Choice resort staff are offering support and assistance to the families of those involved and will endeavour to do everything they can for them at this difficult time.”

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the crash, although initial reports mentioned possible engine failure.