11 people killed in Belgian plane crash - Irish Independent

Ten people are thought to have died when a small aircraft crashed soon after take off in the Belgian province of Namur.

Harriet Alexander – 19 October 2013

A light aircraft carrying a group of parachutists has crashed near the town of Fernelmont, in central Belgium.

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The plane hit the ground in a stubble field on the outskirts of the village of Marchovelette, said firemen from Namur. The fire services were called at 3.40pm on Saturday.

"I've just seen a twin-engined plane lose it's wing mid-flight and crash with a massive bang," an eyewitness told Belgian broadcaster RTL.

"I didn't see anyone parachute out."

They said that the plane had taken off from an aerodrome in Temploux, and that there were no survivors. Five or six ambulances were at the scene.

"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," said Jean-Claude Nihoul, the mayor of Fernelmont.

He added it was "very difficult" to be more precise given the state of the aircraft which was "unrecognisable" after being "burned up".

Elio di Rupo, the Belgian prime minister, sent his condolences to the victims.

"Plane crash near Namur: my thoughts are with all the victims, their families and their loved ones," he said.