5.00 pm (AEDT)
Five people have died as a result of Victoria's worst civil aviation accident in 30 years, after a plane crashed into a shopping centre near Melbourne's Essendon Airport, authorities say.
Witnesses described seeing the plane erupt into a "massive fireball" after it smashed into the DFO centre just after 9:00am.
The ABC has confirmed the pilot was Max Quartermain, the co-owner of Corporate and Leisure Aviation, which owned the plane.
The company's website said Mr Quartermain had over 38 years of charter experience and "an impeccable safety record".
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the relatives of those on board were being contacted.
Whilst the U-S embassy has confirmed the four passengers were all from the United States.
Two have ben named by their families as Greg Reynolds de Haven and Russell Munsch.
2.30 pm (AEDT)
Max Quartermain was the co-owner of Corporate and Leisure Aviation. Source: Corporate and Leisure Aviation
The nearby Tullamarine and Calder freeways are also closed, and motorists are being warned to expect heavy delays due to the light-plane that crashed.
Five people have died as a result of Victoria's worst civil aviation accident in 30 years, after a plane crashed into a shopping centre near Melbourne's Essendon Airport, authorities say.
Victorian Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said five people were on board and none had survived the crash.
"At this stage, the advice we have is there are no fatalities other than on the aircraft itself," he said.
The plane involved was owned by Corporate and Leisure Aviation. Source: ABC Australia
