Washington, June 15 (HS): All 12 people on board a small aircraft were killed after it crashed in the US state of Missouri, local authorities said. The accident occurred near Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, emergency response teams rushed to the crash site immediately after receiving information about the incident. Preliminary reports indicated that all 12 occupants of the aircraft were feared dead.

Officials said the crash took place in the vicinity of Butler Memorial Airport. The cause of the accident was not immediately known and investigation agencies have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Butler is located about 60 miles south of Kansas City. Authorities have cordoned off the crash site and initiated rescue and investigation operations.

Local officials said the process of identifying the victims is underway. Detailed information regarding the accident will be shared after completion of the investigation.

Experts from US aviation safety agencies are also expected to inspect the site as part of efforts to determine the cause of the crash.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar