Kazakhstan - A German-owned business jet exploded on Wednesday during take-off at Kazakhstan's Almaty airport, killing the sole passenger and injuring three crew, officials said.

"The plane left the runway and there was an explosion aboard. The reason for the crash is being investigated," said Jamilla Kaimoldina, spokesperson for the Emergency Situations Ministry.

The passenger, whose nationality was not identified, died.

The pilot and co-pilot, who were German, and the Turkish stewardess were hospitalised but their lives were not in danger, a Health Ministry spokesperson said.

The plane, a Canadair Bombardier Challenger bound for Hong Kong, belonged to German company Jet Connection Business Flight, the Emergencies Ministry said.

Aircraft involved looks to be CL-604 D-ANKE

Our thoughts go out to all family and friends

If it was CL60 D-ANKE, it had been detected on SBS flying over the central UK between 22:40 / 22:50 local, the day before, Christmas Day. C/s was JCX8401 and Hex-S code 3C7965.  

Sympathies to all affected.  

Procuror.kz are quoting the registration as D-ARWE. The aircraft is in the same colour scheme as D-ANKE. Some more info courtesy of stuff.nz on the aircraft's route suggest it was on a refuelling stop en route from Hanover to Macau.

Photo's can be seen here courtesy of Vecher.kz.

I hope this is not the icing problems we've seen before with this type in these conditions.

Condolences to all affected by this accident.