A plane carrying around 200 people has crashed in Algeria with everyone on board feared dead, said media reports. The aircraft was carrying soldiers and equipment when it crashed at Boufarik military airport near capital Algiers.

The cause of the crash was unclear, and an investigation has been opened, according to media reports.

At least 100 people have reportedly died, and local sources have been quoted as saying the death toll could exceed 200, reported BBC.

TV news reports said 14 ambulances were at the scene and injured people were being transferred to hospital.

Footage from the scene showed smoke coming off wreckage in a field.

The head of the army has ordered an investigation into the crash and will visit the scene, according to a statement from the defence ministry.

Four years ago a plane carrying military personnel and family members crashed in Algeria, killing 77 people.