Ten parachutists killed in Belgium plane crash

A light plane carrying ten parachutists and a pilot crashed moments after taking off in Belgium between the villages of Marchovlette and Fernelmont on Saturday, killing all passengers on board.

The mayor of Fernelmont said the aircraft was "unrecognisable" after being "burned up".

Speaking to AFP, Mayor Jean-Claude Nihoul said: "The plane took off from Temploux aerodrome with 10 parachutists and probably a pilot on board and crashed around 10 minutes later in a field.

"All those on board are unfortunately dead. The toll is 10 or 11 victims."

Speaking to Reuters, Nihoul said: "According to witnesses, a part of the plane broke off, it nosedived and crashed into the ground like a stone."

He added that three of the passengers tried to save themselves by jumping from the plane but were too late.

One witness told local television channel RTL: "I just saw a plane lose its right wing in mid-flight and crash. I heard a massive 'bang' towards the south of Marchovelette. I didn't see anyone escape with a parachute."

Firefighters said the accident took place just before 4pm local time.

All passengers on board were Belgian.

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