Four people were killed after a German-registered light aircraft crashed near Medulin in western Croatia, authorities confirmed.

According to local media reports, the aircraft had departed from Austria and was heading toward Medulin when it went down shortly before noon.

Director of Croatia’s Air, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency, Alana Vukic, said all four victims were male.

Vukic stated that two of those killed were identified as Austrian pilots, while the identities of the two remaining passengers have not yet been confirmed. She added that the agency is coordinating with the Austrian embassy as part of the identification process.

Croatian investigators, working alongside Austrian authorities, have launched a safety investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators are currently examining the wreckage at the crash site.

Officials noted that the investigation could take several months because light aircraft are not commonly equipped with flight data recorders, commonly referred to as black boxes.

The agency also said a preliminary investigation report is expected to be completed within 30 days as authorities continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. (ILKHA)