Photos: 5 dead after plane believed to be carrying European Union officials crashes in Malta

Five people have died after a plane reported to be carrying EU border officials crashed and exploded into a ball of flames in Malta. The light aircraft crashed shortly after taking-off from the runway at Malta Airport in Luqa at around 5.30am today, reports say.

No one aboard the flight, heading for Misrata in Libya. is thought to have made it out alive. Emergency services are now on the scene searching the burning wreckage for any survivors. More photos: