At least six people have died after a small private plane crashed on an island off the east coast of Quebec.

At least six people have died after a small private plane crashed on an island off the east coast of Quebec.

Jean Lapierre, a broadcaster and former Canadian transport minister, was one of the seven passengers on the plane, local media reported.

It was unclear whether Mr Lapierre was among the dead.

Authorities said the plane crashed as it approached Iles-de-la-Madeleine Airport amid heavy winds and snow.

The sole survivor was transported to hospital. The extent of the survivor's injuries was not disclosed.

Officials with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada are en route to Havre aux Maisons Island in the Magdalen Islands to determine the cause.

The twin-engine turboprop plane departed from Montreal's St Hubert Airport.