A small airplane crashed into a residential area of the Japanese capital, Tokyo this morning, setting fire to houses and cars and killing at least three people, according to Japanese media.

The Fired Department said one person was rescued unconscious from the plane after the crash and another woman was found unconscious among the wreckage on the ground.

Japanese media said three were confirmed dead after their bodies were retrieved from the crash site.

No further details were available on the casualties or how many people were on board the plane.

At least three houses and two cars caught fire due to the crash, according to the Fire Department.

The crash site is located close to the Chofu Airport, where Japanese media say the plane took off from.

The plane crashed soon after take off, media reports said.