Five die in jet crash

Five people are dead after a private jet crashed while taking off from Birmingham International Airport. Three crew and two passengers are understood to have been on board the aircraft, a twin-engine nine-seater Canadair Challenger. Initial reports said the plane clipped its wings on the ground during take-off. It is said to have been bound for Bangor in Maine, USA, where it was registered. Fire crews based at the airport were on the scene within a minute after the crash, which happened shortly after midday. Initially, it was confirmed that four people had died and a fifth was missing. West Midlands Ambulance Service said later the remaining person had been found dead. Eyewitness Joan Hood, who lives near the airport, said: "We heard a muffled explosion and went out into the front of the house and saw a black plume of acrid smoke about 100 feet high. "The smoke was very thick and our house still smells of it now."Gordon Stretch, who was driving into the airport's long stay car park at the time of the crash, added: "I could see an aircraft had crashed in the centre of the airfield. "It was surrounded by firefighters who put the fire out within minutes. "I spoke to one or two people who saw the crash and apparently the plane rolled over to the left just as it took off. "It is now lying inverted on the centre of the airfield near the fire station. "The plane is in two parts with the wings and undercarriage in the air. It is a complete burnt out wreck." 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 and Coventry Airport. Steve Evans, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "I understand the private aircraft left the departure runway. "Some witnesses said, and we have had reports, that there was a ball of flames." The Department of Transport said that members of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch were on their way to the crash scene. "There will be full investigation followed by an AAIB report in due course," a department spokesman said. In a statement, the Rt Rev Mark Santer, Bishop of Birmingham, described the "This is tragic news at the beginning of a new year. "We commend those who have died to the mercy of God," he went on. "We also think of those members of the emergency services who are dealing with the devastation and the trauma they will suffer. "We value our airport and its excellent safety record." WATCH/LISTEN ON THIS STORY Steve Evans, West Midlands Fire Service "It appears to have been on the departure runway" Eyewitness Gordon Stretch "The plane is a complete burnt-out wreck" See also: 15 Nov 01 | Business Business demand for air taxis Internet links: Birmingham Airport AAIB The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top England stories now: Five die in jet crash Measles outbreak fears spread Fans' guide to football stadiums Man held over car theft killing Teenager cashes in with the euro Man stabbed 'preventing car theft' Rail union considers more strikes Phone gun victim back home Links to more England stories are at the foot of the page.