A private jet plane has crashed at Aspen airport, US local and federal officials have confirmed.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer confirmed an accident had taken place at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, which serves the famous Colorado skiing resort.

“The airplane appears to be a Bombardier Challenger 600, coming from Tucson to Aspen. It crashed while attempting to land,” Kenitzer said.

Aspen is a popular winter holiday destination for celebrities, and comedian Kevin Nealon and singer LeAnn Rimes posted Tweets after witnessing the crash.

“Horrible plane crash here at Aspen airport. Exploded into flames as it was landing. I think it was a private jet,” wrote Nealon, best known for his recurring role in the television black comedy “Weeds”.

“Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles still at scene. No word on survivors or who was on jet but I can’t imagine there are survivors,” Nealon wrote on Twitter.

Rimes added: “So sad. Horrible plane crash we just saw happen at the Aspen airport.”