DHL cargo plane crashes into Italian highway after overshooting Milan runway

A DHL cargo plane crashed into a busy highway after overshooting its landing at an airport near Milan early on 8 May but left no casualties.

The DHL 737-400 passed through barrier fences at Bergamo's Orio al Serio airport but fortunately managed to avoid contact with any cars on the highway. The two person crew, a captain and first officer, escaped unharmed, La Stampa reported.

Queuing drivers waiting on the road to the airport posted surreal pictures of the crashed plane online. The images showed the plane's nose protruding on to the two-lane highway.

The crash occurred at 4am local time, 3am BST. As a result Orio al Serio was closed for three hours.

At least 15 flights have been cancelled with others rerouted to Milan Malpensa airport . At the same time Italian authorities have imposed emergency procedures for the safety of other aircraft. Eight teams of firefighters have been put on standby at Orio al Serio.

The Italian National Agency for Air Safety (ANSV) has announced an immediate investigation into the incident.