Eight killed in Colombia plane crash

A small plane crashed today in a neighbourhood in the central Colombian city of Medellín, killing eight people on board.

Airport authorities said no injuries were immediately reported on the ground.

In a statement, Colombian aviation officials said the aircraft crashed after taking off from the Olaya Herrera Airport.

The victims were identified as six passengers and two crew members. 

It was not immediately clear if more than eight people were on the plane.

The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. 

Medellín Mayor Daniel Quintero said the aircraft experienced “an engine failure” during takeoff.

He said seven homes were destroyed and six other buildings damaged.

Firefighters and other emergency personnel responded.

The aircraft, a twin-engine Piper PA-31, was travelling to the western department of Chocó.