Five killed as plane crashes into airport building setting off huge explosion

At least five people died when a plane crashed into an airport building - setting off a huge explosion. Five other people are known to have been injured when the twin-turbo aircraft collided with the building.
The pilot of the plane reported losing engine power just after taking off and crashed as it tried to return to Mid-Continent Airport in Wichita, Kansas on Thursday. "I heard a big loud noise but it was muffled. I saw smoke and flames. I rushed over," said Lana Johnson, 65, who was in a post office near the airport when the plane crashed.
Fire Chief Ron Blackwell said the plane appeared to strike the top of the building, sparking an intense fire. "Firefighters engaged in a horrific firefight for several minutes and now we have the fire under control," Blackwell said.
Television video showed heavy, dark smoke coming from the building after the crash. There were more than 100 people in the building at the time. The building sustained serious damage, including the collapse of walls and ceilings, the airport said.
The airplane struck the Flight Safety International building, which is among other structures in between runways at the airport and includes a Citation Learning Center.
At least five people are dead and five people injured, Wichita Fire Marshal Brad Crisp told a news conference.
One of the injured was listed in serious condition, one in fair condition and three in good condition at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, spokeswoman Maria Loving said. The pilot was believed to be the only person in the airplane, said Roger Xanders, chief of airport police and fire.
Mid-Continent's commercial flights were largely on schedule with few reported delays, the airport said.
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, the FAA said.