Sao Paulo  - An airplane carrying 24 people crashed into a river in the state of Amazonas in northern Brazil late Saturday.

The turboprop plane manufactured by Brazilian company Embraer was on its way to Manaus and crashed because of unknown reasons in the Manacapuro River. Officials said the plane disappeared from the radar screens about 20 minutes before its scheduled arrival.

At the last minute, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in the town of Manacapuro, but crashed about 500 metres from the runway.

The number of dead or injured was unclear. At least four people, including a 9-year-old girl, had been found alive. Rescue efforts were hampered by heavy rain.

The airline Manaus Taxi Aereo said 24 people were on board, including 18 adults, four children and two crew members.

The accident occurred about 80 kilometres from the city of Manaus. (dpa)