5 dead when plane crashes into vehicle during takeoff at Mesa Airport

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — A plane about to take off from an airport in Mesa, Arizona, crashed into a vehicle, killing five people, officials said.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Donnell Evans said a Honda HA-420 jet crashed at Falcon Field Airport around 4:40 p.m. The plane collided with a vehicle outside the airport on Greenfield Road, Evans said.

According to the Mesa Fire Department, five people died at the scene. Evans said there were five people on board, but it was unclear whether those killed were on the plane or in the car.

Mesa police said the area will be closed for several hours while officers respond to the accident. An investigation into the crash has been launched.

This story may be updated.