A small aircraft crashed on Monday morning near Brand, in the Bludenz district of Vorarlberg, Austria.

The crash site is believed to be in the steep terrain of the Untere Brüggele Alpe, but dense fog has severely hampered search and rescue operations.

Approximately 200 emergency personnel, including firefighters, police, rescue teams, and search dogs, are involved in the ongoing search.

Helicopter and drone support have been ruled out due to poor visibility.

Initial reports suggest the aircraft, a Beechcraft Baron 58, took off from Italy and was privately owned.

While the exact number of people on board remains unclear, it is suspected that only the pilot was present.

Witnesses, including local hunters and hut staff, reported hearing a loud explosion and later discovered aircraft debris.