Two individuals were killed in the MASwings Twin Otter plane crash at Kudat airport today, about 190km northeast of Kota Kinabalu.

maswings twin otter aircraft kudat 101013In a statement in Kuala Lumpur late tonight, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) said one of the deceased was a co-pilot, and that two others were injured.

The airline also confirmed that the crash occurred in the vicinity of the airport at 2.50pm. The plane had 16 people on board.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased and those involved in the accident, and we are doing everything we can to assist them in this extremely difficult time.

"We are assisting the passengers and families the best way we can.

"A 24-hour call centre service has been activated. Families of passengers who were on-board may call 03-78 84 12 34 for further enquiries," read a statement.

According to Bernama, eleven firemen from the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department were at the scene of the crash.

plane crash in kudat 101013 03Earlier, the department's public relations officer Mohd Affendy Ramin said in Kota Kinabalu that the plane had gone down in Kampung Sinsan.

Deputy Defence Minister and Kudat MP Abdul Rahim Bakri said he learnt there was a strong wind at the time the plane was about to land.

He was quoted as saying that the Kudat parliamentary office would help the victims of the crash.

Meanwhile, MAS said it would, together with MASwings, continue to monitor the situation at the crash site and give updates.