Queensland Fire and Emergency Services offers its deepest condolences to the families of the three people who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in northern Queensland.

The aircraft was contracted by QFES to support the Queensland bushfire response. It was engaged by QFES to conduct line scans, and travelling from Toowoomba to Mt Isa when it crashed near Cloncurry.

The aircraft was the same type as one that is used as the lead plane for the Large Aerial Tanker (LAT). Both the LAT and the lead plane will be grounded until advised by authorities.

The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified of the crash and will conduct a transport safety investigation. The QPS Forensic Crash Unit will investigate the crash of behalf of the State Coroner and QFES will assist the investigation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families at this time.