Plane splits in Brussels airport crash

An investigation is underway after a large cargo plane slid off the runway and split in two at Brussels Airport during take-off.

The American-owned Boeing 747 cargo plane crashed as it took off at Brussels airport.

It is understood that four of the five people on board were slightly injured.

The jumbo jet broke in two after the crash, which happened around 11.30am, coming to rest at the end of the runway some 500m from housing in the Brussels suburb of Zaventem.

Fire engines had surrounded the wreckage and a yellow emergency escape chute was seen emerging from the door, while a helicopter flew overhead.

The accident did not disrupt air traffic, but the rail link between the airport and the centre of the Belgian capital was suspended as the line was close the scene.