Christmas tragedy as plane crashes into busy motorway in New York

The motorway was left covered in jet fuel

The incident happened early this morning, around 7pm Eastern Time in the states, with the plane dropping out of the sky to plough into the central reservation of the Interstate 684.

Paramedics rushed to the soon, but ultimately one of the people on board has been reported dead while another seriously injured.

Aviation fuel from the light aircraft subsequently spilled onto the road, closing the highway in both directions.

The accident happened in Harrison, in the state of New York and only 25 miles northeast of Manhattan.

Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, said: "My heart goes out to the loved ones of those on board during this tragic incident, and I am praying for a safe recovery for the injured individual."

A spokesperson for New York State Police said: "The preliminary investigation has determined there were two individuals on the plane, and one is confirmed deceased. Further information will be provided when it’s available."

Little is known about the occupants of the plane while it is still unsure whether any drivers on the carriageway have been injured.

A similar incident happened in September in the UK when the pilot of a light aircraft died when the plane crashed into an industrial estate.