German plane crash: Three die as aircraft hits home in Wesel

Three people have died after a microlight aircraft crashed into a home in Wesel, in north-western Germany, officials say.

The identities of the dead are not yet known. A child was also treated for injuries and shock. The aircraft could have carried two people.

Images show severe damage to the roof of the home with emergency workers attending a now-extinguished fire.

Police told Bild newspaper the aircraft had taken off from Marl airfield.

Police chief Peter Reuters said emergency services were called at 14:42 local time (12.42 GMT), adding: "Three deceased people were found in the attic of the apartment building. They are adults. A child was also slightly injured and shocked. The microlight aircraft had taken off from the Marl airfield with two occupants and landed again in Wesel for a stopover."

One eyewitness said there had been an explosion and a fireball.

A parachute was found close to the crash site and is believed to be the aircraft's emergency brake system.

The house was divided into five apartments.

Wesel is about 65km (40 miles) north of Düsseldorf.

(Source: BBC)