The official Algerie Presse news agency said that the Il-76 military aircraft crashed near the Boufarik military base soon after takeoff. Boufarik is 20 miles from the capital, Algiers, and close to the Mediterranean Sea.

The aircraft, which reportedly was carrying more than 100 people, went down near Boufarik Airport, situated 32 kilometres from the capital Algiers. Al-Hadath TV said that up to 200 people died in the crash, according to Russia’s Tass news agency.

Footage captured by witnesses shows black smoke billowing near the area and wreckage of the aircraft.

The Soviet-designed Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft had been headed for Bechar in southwestern Algeria, Algerie Presse reported. Emergency services have been sent to the crash scene.