At least five people have died after a plane carrying EU border officials crashed in Malta.

The light aircraft is said to have plunged to the ground at about 6.20am BST after experiencing engine problems after taking off from Malta International Airport, Evening Standard reports.

Pictures and video footage have emerged of smoke billowing from the wreckage in Safi, on a road just outside the airport.

A witness told the Times of Malta they saw the plane take-off and rise before it suddenly tipped onto its right side “and went straight down into the ground.”

Another witness told Malta Today: “It was an explosion, a right ball of fire.”

Meanwhile video footage has emerged on social media of the plane plummeting before hitting the ground and exploding.

Nobody on board the plane is thought to have survived.

The crash is the country’s worst peacetime aircraft accident.

The flight was headed for the city of Misrata in Libya, with the officials on board thought to be on an EU mission related to human-trafficking.

A spokesman for EU border and coast agency Frontex told the Standard the company did not deploy the plane. However the organisation did not confirm if its staff were on board.

The nationality of the victims has not been confirmed.

A Malta International Airport spokesman said: “At 7.20 this morning, an aircraft accident occurred at Malta International Airport.

“The Rescue and Fire Services team together with members from the Civil Protection Department and Mater Dei were dispatched to the scene immediately. Our priority at this time is with the passengers involved.

“The aerodrome is currently closed until further notice. Whilst apologising for any inconvenience caused, passengers are advised to check the airport website for further information.”