Crash scene in Marchovelette in South Belgium
Crash scene in Marchovelette in south-east Belgium (Twitter: Roeland Roovers ‏@r0eland)

Eleven people have been killed after a small tourist plane crashed in south-east Belgium.

The plane was carrying a group of skydivers and crashed shortly after take-off in Marchovelette near the city of Namur.

The mayor of Fernelmont, Jean-Claude Nihoul, said. "The plane took off from Temploux aerodrome with 10 parachutists and probably a pilot on board and crashed around 10 minutes later in a field. All those on board are unfortunately dead."

According to Belgian media, early theories about the cause of the crash centre on a damaged wing.

Nihoul told RTBF: "It is still very difficult to understand what has happened. But a witness has reported the wing did come away from the aircraft during the flight. Three or four skydivers would have tried to open their parachutes but it was too late."

One witness also told Belgium's Sud Presse newspaper: "The plane flew over my house and I saw pieces fall from the plane.

"Then the plane pitched, and nose dived, crashing about 200 yards away."

Firefighters were called before 4pm and are still at the scene. An emergency centre has been set up.

The aircraft missed the houses nearby.

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