Twin engine plane - raining and hazy... witnesses reported explosion.
I am a pilot with an instrument rating.
Flying into marginal weather while using ground reference is the dumbest thing a pilot can do. He is asking for it. There is NO EXCUSE for it.
The only other thing that is as dumb is running out of fuel.
Bad weather does not jump up and capture the airplane. The pilot makes a conscious decision where to fly. That he would take someone who trusts him, into such danger is unconscionable.
He had the choice and made a rotten choice.
It is much better being on the ground wishing you were up there flying, than being up there flying wishing you were on the ground.