At least seven people were killed when a small plane crashed while attempting an emergency landing in Mexico, according to the Associated Press citing local authorities.

Mexico State Civil Protection Coordinator Adrián Hernández said the accident occurred on Monday in the San Mateo Atenco area. The industrial zone is located about five kilometres from Toluca Airport and around 50 kilometres west of the capital, Mexico City. The aircraft had departed from the Pacific coastal city of Acapulco.

Hernández said the privately owned plane was carrying eight passengers and two crew members. By several hours after the crash, the bodies of seven victims had been recovered. Search and rescue operations are continuing to locate those still missing.

Preliminary information suggests the plane attempted an emergency landing at a nearby football field but missed the target and struck the metal roof of a commercial establishment, triggering a large fire. The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

San Mateo Atenco Mayor Ana Muñiz told local media that about 130 people were evacuated from nearby buildings as a precaution due to the fire.

Emergency responders and investigators remain at the scene as efforts continue to determine the cause of the accident.