At least five people have died after a plane reportedly carrying officials from the EU border agency crashed in Malta.Sources said the plane crashed near the runway soon after take-off and subsequently burst into flames.

Footage taken from another plane on the tarmac showed the wreckage burning in a field, sending a huge plume of black smoke into the air as passengers could be heard crying.

There were not believed to be any survivors from the disaster, which is Malta’s worst peacetime air accident.The plane, a twin-prop Metroliner, can carry about 10 people. Rescuers were looking for survivors.

There was no immediate news on the nationality of the victims.

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