Three dead following plane crash in western Austria

VIENNA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed after a small plane crashed in the state of Tyrol in western Austria early Thursday evening, local media reported.

The plane small reportedly burst into flames upon impact after crashing in the Wetterstein mountains region close to the German border.

According to local media, the plane hit a mountain cliff at an altitude of about 2,300 meters. The difficult terrain poses a challenge for search and rescue crews.

Authorities have not yet ascertained the cause of the crash or the identities of the deceased. Austrian newspaper the Krone reported that the aircraft took off in neighboring Italy.

Investigation is still underway.