'Active situation': Plane crashes in Tennessee with at least 16 onboard; several airlifted to hospitals

A plane carrying at least 16 passengers crashed in Tennessee's Coffee County, approximately 60 miles south of Nashville, US, according to reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol."Early information suggests there were approximately 16 to 20 people on board.," the highway patrol said in Facebook post on Sunday afternoon. "This remains an active and developing situation," it added.The highway patrol further detailed that while several passengers have been transported to local medical facilities by air, others are receiving assessment at the crash site. "Several have been flown by medical helicopter to surrounding hospitals, and others are being evaluated on scene," it said.

The authorities further urged public to avoid the area for smooth rescue operations. "Please avoid the area to allow emergency crews room to operate safely. They will share more updates as information becomes publicly available," it said.According to law enforcement officials, preliminary information indicates the aircraft was being utilised for skydiving operations, according to CNN reports.