Five Americans have been killed after their private aeroplane crashed at Birmingham International Airport. Initial reports said the twin-engined nine-seater Canadair Challenger clipped its wings on the ground during take-off.
It is believed to have been bound for Bangor in Maine, USA.
The aircraft was registered with agricultural equipment giant AGCO Corporation, which has its head office in Georgia, USA.
The company also owns a UK plant, which employs 1,800 people, in Banner Lane, Coventry.
Fire crews based at the airport were on the scene within a minute after the crash, which happened at 1207 GMT today.
The airport has been closed and an exclusion zone is in place in the skies above.
Flights destined for Birmingham are being redirected to East Midlands Airport, Manchester Airport and Coventry Airport.
