Vintage plane crashes, catches fire on California freeway

A vintage plane has shut down a freeway in the US after it crashed and burst into flames along the busy stretch of road.

The plane, which is believed to be a North American Aviation T-6 Texan painted in German military insignia, crashed along the 101 Freeway in South California yesterday afternoon, CBS reports.

Despite there being no reports of injuries, the incident closed the entire eight-lane road, causing bumper-to-bumper traffic in both directions.

Local authorities were still clearing the scene six hours after the crash.

The vintage plane was first flown in 1935 and was also flown during the second world war.  

The aircraft is part of the Condor Squadron vintage flying club, a non-profit organisation, according to a report from Van Nuys Airport.

The organisation’s website states the group was founded by WWII fighter pilots to preserve aviation history.

The identity of the pilot has not been confirmed.