Plane crashes on landing in southern Afghanistan

A civilian-leased plane crashed today after overrunning an Afghan airstrip on landing in southern Helmand province, with casualties reported.

The plane crashed in Lashkar Gah, Helmand’s main town about 325 miles south-west of the Afghan capital, Kabul, said deputy provincial Governor Amir Mohammed Aghunzaba.

The official said there were an unspecified number of people inside the “small white plane” who were dead or seriously injured.

Coalition military forces sent emergency crews to the scene of the crash, which occurred at about 11.30am (8am Irish time), said Canadian military spokesman Maj. Quentin Innis.