Two people have died and 10 have been injured after a light plane crashed through the roof of a hangar in Adelaide, igniting stored aviation fuel while flight students were inside.

The pilot and passenger died and people on the ground were hurt — including one with critical injuries — at the Flight Training Academy hangar at Parafield Airport, north of Adelaide, on Wednesday.

The incident happened shortly after the four-seat, twin-engined Diamond DA42 aircraft had taken off shortly after 2pm. The plane crashed into the hangar where a significant amount of fuel was stored, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air.

More than 100 students and staff were evacuated to a grassed area at the school as more than 50 firefighters rushed to the scene, the Adelaide Advertiser reported.

Footage of the plane coming down shortly after take-off. Photo: Seven News

Chief Inspector Andrew McCracken said the two people who died were in the aircraft. Four others had been taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital.

“We have one in a life-threatening condition with serious and significant burns, two in a serious condition, and one with minor injuries,” he said.

Another four people were being treated for smoke inhalation at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, while two more were taken to Modbury Hospital, also for treatment for smoke inhalation.

Metropolitan Fire Service Chief Officer Jeff Swann said firefighters faced “really thick, black smoke, and intense flames”.

“These flames were further intensified by a significant amount of fuel inside the hangar, and also the fact that the aircraft had impacted the fire hydrant system,” he said.

This had knocked out the sprinkler system, meaning a shortage of water for the 57 firefighters who responded.

Several of the students inside the hangar at the time were assisted out of the building by MFS.

The crash triggered an intense fire and black smoke. Photo: Seven News

The hangar was significantly damaged, as were two of five aircraft inside.

It was generally used for maintenance, aircraft storage and also had a classroom space.

McCracken said he would not speculate on whether the pilot was a student “until I’ve had further confirmation from the investigations team and we’ve clarified and validated that information”.

A forensic pathologist was at the scene, along with major crash officers. A cordon would remain for least 24 hours while investigations continued, he said.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said a team of transport safety investigators from Canberra and Brisbane would arrive at the site on Thursday morning.

They will examine the site and wreckage, as well as recover aircraft components for examination at the ATSB base in Canberra.

The area has been evacuated and authorities have asked the public to avoid the area around the airport.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said he had been briefed by SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens on the “tragic incident”.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have passed away, and with everyone affected by this devastating event,” he said.

“I want to sincerely thank our first responders, including South Australia Police, SA Ambulance and Metropolitan Fire Service, for their swift and courageous response under very difficult circumstances.”

-with AAP