A small aircraft carrying around five passengers crashed into a building near Essendon Airport, causing a large explosion near Melbourne’s central business district.
Police Minister Lisa Neville confirmed the incident, saying it’s believed the plane flew into the DFO shopping complex in Essendon Fields.
According to witnesses, the plane took off from the gateway at around 9.00am and shortly afterward came crashing down into the building.
The impact caused a large explosion and caused major damage to the building.
#BREAKING: A plane has crashed into the DFO at Essendon. Reporter @Brett_McLeod is on the scene. #9News pic.twitter.com/rZBcf1BHJA
— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) February 20, 2017
The Police Minister said she believes the aircraft may have been a charter flight heading to King Island.
Police have evacuated the area but are yet to confirm the number of casualties and injuries or if anyone was inside the building at the time of the crash.
“At this stage we do not have information regarding possible casualties and police are currently evacuating the area.”
Victoria Police
“The surrounding roads will be effected for some time.”
Locals are being urged to avoid the area including Tullamarine Freeway, which is currently closed between Western ring and Moreland Road.
In a Facebook update, Victorian Police said Calder Freeway remains closed inbound between the Western Ring Road and Moreland Road. The Calder Freeway is now open outbound. Bulla Road is also closed at the Tullamarine Freeway including the entry ramp to the Tullamarine Freeway inbound.
All access to the Essendon Airport is closed.
.@theheraldsun nasty stuff. I saw a yellow and red fiery ball explode then black plumes of smoke pic.twitter.com/gDTQESftMv
— Mikey Cahîll (@JoeyLightbulb) February 20, 2017
Several witnesses captured the accident on their social media pages. Image and videos show large black smoke emerging from the impact and reaching around 30-metres in the air, The Herald Sun reported.
This page will be updated as more information comes to hand.