Australia plane crash kills 4 Americans

Five people were killed, including four Americans, in a small plane crash in Australia on Monday, the State Department confirmed.

The plane, a twin-turboprop Beechcraft King Air, crashed into the roof of a shopping mall just after takeoff Monday, exploding into what witnesses called a “massive fireball,” according to NBC News.

The pilot was described by NBC as an experienced aviator in his 60s, and the four Americans were passengers. 

{mosads}”There were five people on the airplane and it looks like nobody’s survived the crash,” said Stephen Leane, the assistant police commissioner for Victoria state.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who died in today’s tragic crash,” a State Department official said in a statement. 

“The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Melbourne are working closely with local authorities. We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the families of the victims.”