Iron Maiden's plane Ed Force One damaged in crash

Iron Maiden have announced their touring plane 'Ed Force One' is out of action after an airport crash that left two people injured.

The jet - which is normally flown by the band's frontman Bruce Dickinson - crashed with a ground tug vehicle while it was being towed for refueling at an airport in Santiago, Chile.

Two tug operators have been taken to hospital with injuries following the collision.

No members of the band were involved - but they are now looking for a new form of transport to continue with their tour.

In a statement the band said they wished both of those hurt a "full and speedy recovery".

None of the band or crew were near the plane at the time of the accident.

Engineers thought Ed Force One had suffered major damage, and might need replacing, they added.

Although this is tragic for our beautiful plane we do not expect this to affect our concert schedule.>And we hope to find a new Ed Force One to continue this adventure with us in the near future. >

Dickinson is a qualified commercial airline pilot who has flown Ed Force One to 35 countries as it ferries the band and their equipment between concerts.

The distinctive Boeing 747 had been due to touch down in the East Midlands this summer ahead of their closing set at Download Festival 2016 in Leicestershire on June 12.