Plane crashes after take-off in Malta, at least five dead
Add BT as a preferred source
DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
[VALLETTA] A light aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Malta on Monday, killing at least five people on board in the island nation's worst peacetime air accident, airport sources and witnesses said.
Airport officials initially said the plane was believed to be carrying officials from EU border agency Frontex. The organisation put out a statement saying it had not deployed the plane, but stopped short of saying whether its staff were on board.
The crash happened at about 0530 GMT as the plane was heading for Misrata in Libya, airport officials told Reuters.
Television footage showed flames rising from wreckage near the runway, sending thick black smoke into the sky.
All flights to and from Malta International Airport were halted, The Times of Malta said on its website.
There was no immediate details on the identity or nationality of the victims.
Navigate Asia in
a new global order
Get the insights delivered to your inbox.
The plane, a twin-prop Metroliner, can carry around 10 people.
REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
TRENDING NOW
China pips the US if Asean is forced to choose, but analysts warn against reading it like a sports result
Beijing’s calculated silence on the Iran war
Shelving S$5 billion office redevelopment plan proved ‘wise’ as geopolitical risks mount: OCBC chairman
Vietnam formalises new state leadership, redefining ‘four pillars’ power balance
