Plane crashes after take-off in Malta, all five on board dead

Airport sources said, the plane was believed to be carrying officials from European Union border agency Frontex. But the organisation later said none of its staff was involved. 

A military source at Malta International Airport said all five victims among which three French Defence Ministry officials and two private contractors died. Television footage showed flames rising from wreckage near the runway, sending thick black smoke into the sky.

Staff said, investigations had begun and the aerodrome was closed until further notice. Several flights have been diverted to Sicily, many delayed and some cancelled. The twinprop Fairchild Metroliner crashed at about 5:20 am, the airport officials added. 

“We can confirm that no European Union officials were on board. The plane also was not related to any of the European Union’s activities,” an EU spokesperson said.