Five dead as plane crashes in Malta

Areconnaissance plane working for France’s defence ministry crashed in a ball of flames at Malta’s international airport yesterday, killing all five people on board, officials said.

The plane plummeted to the ground shortly after take-off, killing the five French nationals on board.

The Maltese government said in a statement that there was no indication of an explosion prior to the crash but did not rule out sabotage, saying an investigation was under way into possible causes. The French defence ministry said the plane had been working on its behalf, carrying out “reconnaissance missions in the Mediterranean.”

Three of those who died were employees of the defence ministry, the two others worked for the company which flew the plane, the ministry said.

The Maltese government, which had described those on board as working for a French “customs” operation, said the aircraft was a Fairchild Metroliner Mark III registered in the United States and leased to a Luxembourg company, CAE aviation.

It took off around 7.20am (9.20am UAE time). Shortly afterwards it was seen plunging nose-first towards the ground and exploded.