At least three people were killed Thursday when a small aircraft crashed and caught fire in a rural area of Água Boa, in Brazil’s central-western state of Mato Grosso, authorities said.

The aircraft came down at a rural property near the Pedreira Shalon area, roughly 18 to 20 kilometers from the town of Água Boa. The impact triggered a fire that almost completely destroyed the aircraft.

Firefighters were called to the scene at around 8:50 a.m. local time and used approximately 4,000 liters of water to extinguish the flames. Military police also responded and secured the crash site while forensic teams began their work.

After the fire was brought under control, emergency personnel found three bodies inside the wreckage. The victims had suffered severe burns and had not initially been identified. Their remains were sent for forensic examination as authorities worked to establish their identities.

Brazilian reports identified the aircraft as a Cessna bearing registration N401NA, although authorities initially said the condition of the wreckage made it difficult to confirm the aircraft's details.

The flight's origin, destination and flight plan have not been confirmed, and investigators have not determined how many people were officially listed as being on board. The circumstances that led to the crash also remain unknown.

The Official Forensic Identification and Technical Expertise service (Politec) was called to examine the wreckage and assist in identifying the victims. Brazil's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) has also been notified and is expected to take part in the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Police have isolated the area to preserve evidence as investigators examine the aircraft and surrounding site.

Authorities have so far released no indication of a mechanical failure, weather-related problem or other specific cause. The investigation is expected to examine the aircraft's condition, flight records and circumstances immediately preceding the crash.

The accident occurred in a remote rural area of Mato Grosso, a vast agricultural state where small aircraft are frequently used to connect isolated communities, farms and other locations. Further details about the victims and the flight are expected to emerge as forensic and aviation investigations progress. (ILKHA)