The crash happened at around 11:00 hrs local time and involved a Learjet 35A refitted for medical purposes. The aircraft had been affected by low visibility amid heavy fog. The plane went up in flames upon impact, according to reports.

At least four people were onboard the plane, including the pilot, co-pilot, a doctor and nurse, when it went down near Esquel Airport, some 18 km from the Patagonian town. The pilot and co-pilot are believed to have survived the crash.

The plane was travelling to pick up a three-year-old child who is undergoing treatment for a heart condition and needed to be transferred to a medical center with more resources.