Twelve people have died in a plane crash in the U.S. state of Missouri, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The incident occurred near Butler Memorial Airport in Bates County, south of Kansas City.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced the fatalities, stating that all 12 occupants of the aircraft perished. The patrol was on scene assisting local authorities with the fatal crash investigation.

According to Sergeant Justin Ewing of the Missouri Highway Patrol, the plane was engaged in taking people up for skydiving activities. Emergency services received a distress call around 11:30 a.m. local time (16:30 GMT) reporting a downed aircraft that was engulfed in flames. Responders managed to extinguish the fire shortly after arriving at the scene, with Ewing describing the aftermath as "brutal."

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been dispatched to the site to commence an investigation into the cause of the crash. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, and the circumstances leading to the accident remain unclear.

The aircraft reportedly landed in a field adjacent to the Butler Memorial Airport. Authorities have taken precautions by closing off a nearby roadway as the investigation proceeds. The NTSB's involvement indicates a thorough examination of the wreckage and flight data will take place.

This incident marks a significant aviation tragedy in the region. While the exact nature of the aircraft and its operational history are not yet public, the fact that it was carrying skydivers suggests a specialized flight operation was underway.

Further details are expected to emerge as the NTSB conducts its investigation. Officials have stated that updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The focus remains on determining the cause of the crash and understanding the sequence of events that led to this fatal outcome.

The crash near Butler Memorial Airport serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, particularly for specialized activities like skydiving operations. The community awaits answers regarding the identities of those lost and the factors contributing to this devastating event.