Bodies of plane crash victims. - Reuters Photo.

MANILA: Officials say a light plane has crashed into a school building near the Philippine capital after its pilot requested an emergency landing shortly after takeoff. At least seven burned bodies were recovered at the site.

Mayor Florencio Bernabe of suburban Paranaque city says the plane burst into flames after hitting the F Serrano Elementary School on Saturday.

He says no classes were being held but that officials were determining if anyone on the ground was among the dead.

Air Transportation Office chief Ramon Gutierrez says the six-to-eight-seat plane declared an emergency shortly after taking off from Manila airport for Mindoro Island. The plane crashed before being able to return to the airport.