Ten people have been killed after a light aircraft crashed into a Malaysian highway, crushing cars and motorbikes under it.

The 10 fatalities included eight people – six passengers and two flight crew – who were travelling on a private jet from Langkawi Airport, as well as the driver of a car and a motorcyclist. The latter pair are said to have died as the plane smashed into the motorway and wiped out a number of vehicles.

Images and footage shared on social media showed the horrific crash scnes as thick, acrid plumes of coal-black smoke snaked into the sky from the gutted structure of the plan. Aircraft debris can also be seen littering the motorway.

China Press said that the small aircraft suddenly dropped, plummeting towards the ground before exploding in a fireball on impact. As it did, debris was launched across the carriageway, striking a motorbike rider.

In a statement, the chief executive of Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Norazman Mahmud, said those onboard included six passengers and two flight crew. The plane was operated by Jetvalet Sdn Bhd, a private jet carrier based in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Norazman said, adding that the flight had left Langkawi International Airport at around 2pm local time (7am GMT).

“Their conditions have yet to be confirmed at press time,” Mr Norazman said. “The first contact made by the aircraft with the Subang air traffic control tower was at 2.47pm. Landing clearance was given at 2.48pm. At 2.51pm, the control tower observed smoke originating from the crash site but no Mayday call was made by the aircraft.”

A search and rescue mission is currently underway and being led by the Kuala Lumpur Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, it has been reported.