5 killed as plane crashes into shopping mall in Australia

Five persons died on Tuesday after a small plane crashed into a shopping mall in Melbourne, Australia.

The crash occurred before the mall was opened to the public.

Four of the passengers killed in the crash were US citizens, according to the US state department.

Emergency officials in Melbourne said engine failure brought down the Beechcraft King Air plane, which witnesses said caused a fireball to rise from the DFO Center, near Essendon Airport.

Both the mall and airport were closed as officials conducted an investigation.

“At this stage, the advice we have is that there are no fatalities other than on the aircraft itself,” said Craig Lapsley, Victorian Fire Services commissioner.

Aside from some staff, the mall was mostly empty and not yet open.

Witnesses said the plane appeared to be coming in low and fast before they saw an explosion at the mall.

“[I thought] what the hell?,” said Michael Henry, who saw the crash. “That doesn’t happen every day. It was crazy, like something from a movie.”

The plane was piloted by its owner, Max Quartermain, who had four US citizens on the flight heading to King Island in the Bass Strait off the southern coast of Australia.

The US citizens were not identified however officials said they were in the process of contacting their families.

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

“The US 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.”