Five Dead in Malta Plane Crash

Scene of a light aircraft crash, Malta
Rescue services at the scene of a light aircraft crash at the airport in Valletta, Malta, 24 October. Five people are believed to be dead. Darrin Zammit-Lupi

A light aircraft believed to be carrying officials from EU border agency Frontex crashed shortly after take-off from Malta on Monday, killing at least five people, airport sources and witnesses said.

The crash, Malta's worst peacetime aircraft accident, happened at about 05:30 GMT, as the plane was heading for Misrata in Libya, said officials.

Rescuers were looking for survivors. The plane, a twin-prop Metroliner, can carry around 10 people.

The Times of Malta said the plane had been leased from Luxembourg for use by Frontex officials. There was no immediate news on the nationality of the victims.

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