At least one person has died after a small plane crashed onto Interstate 684 in Harrison, New York, which lies about 25 miles northeast of Manhattan. 

The aircraft is thought to have ploughed into the central reservation of the road in New York. 

Emergency services have rushed to the scene where, despite the best efforts of paramedics, one of the two people on board has been declared dead. The other person is thought to be seriously hurt.

The interstate is now closed in both directions, with aviation fuel having spilled across the road. 

The crash occurred at around 7pm on Wednesday EST - that's midnight in the UK. 

"My heart goes out to the loved ones of those on board during this tragic incident, and I am praying for a safe recovery for the injured individual,” said Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York. 

A spokesperson for New York State Police said: “The preliminary investigation has determined there were two individuals on the plane, and one is confirmed deceased. Further information will be provided when it’s available”. 

Further details about the two people are yet to be disclosed by authorities.

It is also unclear if any vehicle passengers using Interstate 684 are injured. Drivers have been urged to avoid the area and follow the diversions in place. 

The New York plane crash echoes the Derbyshire tragedy in the UK in September, when the pilot of a light aircraft died following a collision. 

The pilot - the only person on board - suffered fatal injuries after their plane, an Evektor SportStar, careered into a building in an industrial estate.