Five persons were killed on Monday when a plane crashed close to Malta International Airport, airport officials said.
A Fairchild Metroliner aeroplane bound for Misrata, Libya, crashed at 7.20 a.m. (local time) shortly after takeoff, EFE news reported.
"We can confirm that the five crew on board the aircraft are dead," the airport confirmed on its website.
Witnesses described seeing plumes of thick black smoke following the aircraft's takeoff.
It was reported that the plane was being used by European Union border agency Frontex, but the agency said on Twitter that the aircraft "was not deployed by Frontex" and that "No Frontex staff was involved" in the accident in Malta.
Meanwhile, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini tweeted "No #EU officials involved in plane crash in #Malta. The flight was not related to any of the EU activities" amid reports that EU officials were involved in the crash.
Airport officials said the aerodrome would be closed until further notice and that an investigation was ongoing.
--IANS
ask/dg
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app