Prince George, BC – RCMP in Vernon believe two people have been killed in the crash of a small plane in sports fields bordering the airport in that community, but police say the tragedy could have been worse had more people been on the field at the time.

Vernon RCMP Spokesperson, Gord Molendyk, says the small twin engine crashed shortly after take-off from the airport and burst into flames when it hit the field at approximately 1:30pm this afternoon.

"We are very fortunate that nobody was hurt on the ground as a result," says Molendyk.  "The sports fields were not very active at the time."

Molendyk says the investigation is in very early stages with both police and the BC Coroner’s Service on-scene.  The Transportation Safety Board has also been advised.

No word on the identities or hometowns of the victims on-board the aircraft.