8 dead after plane crashes into Colombian homes

Eight people died Monday in the Colombian city of Medellín when a small plane crashed into a row of houses, officials said.

According to Colombian aviation officials, the plane crashed into the residential area shortly after takeoff from Olaya Herrera Airport.

Six passengers and two crew members on board the aircraft perished in the burning wreckage.

It was not immediately clear if there were others on board the plane when it crashed.

Miraculously, no injuries were immediately reported on the ground.

Seven homes were completely destroyed in the crash and six other buildings were damaged, Medellín Mayor Daniel Quintero said.

Crime scene photos showed firefighters and other responders searching the remains of the smoldering property.

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

The mayor said the plane suffered an “engine failure” during takeoff.

“Unfortunately, the pilot was unable to keep the plane aloft and it crashed in that neighborhood,” Quintero said.

With mail wires