A business jet has crashed at a North Carolina airport, erupting into flames and killing multiple people, authorities have said.
The plane was linked to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, officials added.
Flight records show the aircraft was registered to a company run by Biffle.
The Cessna C550 business jet had taken off from Statesville Regional Airport, around 45 miles north of Charlotte, shortly after 10am local time (3pm UK time) on Thursday, bound for Florida.
It then returned and was attempting to land, according to flight tracking data.
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said: “I can confirm there were fatalities.” He did not share any further details.
The Federal Aviation Authority said six people were aboard the plane.
Footage from WSOC-TV showed emergency workers rushing on to the runway as flames burned near the wreckage.
Airport director John Ferguson said: “The airport now is closed until further notice. It will take some time to get the debris off the runway.”
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The airport’s website says it offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the crash.
