Four people – believed to be the two pilots and two passengers – have survived a plane crash which claimed the lives of 28 people in Papua New Guinea.

The pilots are from Australian and New Zealand, the Australian embassy confirmed. 

The Airlines PNG operated Dash-8 aircraft came down in dense forest on route from Lae to Madang.

“A full investigation is underway by authorities and Airlines PNG as to the possible cause of the accident,” the airline said in a statement.

“Airlines PNG fully supports the action of local authorities at Lae who have quarantined aviation fuel at Lae airport from where the aircraft originated.”

Airlines PNG added it had grounded its Dash-8 fleet of 12 aircraft until further notice.

“Our prayers and thoughts are now with all those affected by this very sad day for Papua New Guinea,” concluded PNG.