Nine people have died after a Miami bound plane crashed as it attempted to make an emergency landing in the Dominican Republic shortly after take off.
The private jet appeared to encounter problems as it took off from La Isabela International Airport, in El Higüero, and crashed crashed shortly afterwards at the nearby Las Americas International Airport on Wednesday.
A frantic rescue operation was launched by emergency services but all died on board confirmed Helidosa Aviation Group, the plane operator.
Two crew members and seven passengers died in the tragedy.
Puerto Rican music producer Flow La Movie was among the dead on board, according to the airline and local media.
The pilot is believed to have declared an emergency incident shortly after taking off and the cause of the incident is not yet known.
Four fire crews were sent to the airport, according to local reports.
Helidosa Aviation Group issued a statement expressing its sorrow and listing the names of those who died.
A statement read: "The plane HI1050 type Gulfstream GIVSP had taken off for Miami with two crew and seven passengers. Of the passengers, six were foreigners and one Dominican.
"For Helidosa this accident has caused great pain and sorry and we ask for prudence and understanding in supporting the people affected who like us are going through a difficult moment.
"The passengers were: Debbie Von Marie Jiménez García, José Ángel Hernández, Keilyan Hernández Peña, Jayden Hernández, Yeilianys Jeishlimar Meléndez Jiménez, Jassiel Yabdiel Silva and Veronica Estrella.
"The plane crew were Luis Alberto Eljuri and Victor Emilio Herrera."
An earlier tweet from Helidosa stated: "We hereby inform you that today, the HI1050 aircraft with 2 crew members and 7 passengers has crashed at the AILA. Our Company is actively working to obtain more information and collaborating with the rescue bodies."
The airport was closed in the aftermath of the tragedy, el Caribe reports.
It states that the pilot had asked for permission to land at Las Americas, but was unable to perform the manoeuvres to bring the aircraft down safely.
