WASHINGTON, July 17 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed after two small planes collided into each other in the air in the U.S. state of Florida on Tuesday, according to local authorities.

Officials say three people died after two planes crashed above the Florida Everglades.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez told the Miami Herald that a midair collision occurred Tuesday afternoon.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was responding to an area several miles west of Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, near the border of the Everglades.

Gimenez says both planes were with Dean International Flight School, which operates out of Miami Executive Airport in the southwestern part of the county.

The names of the victims weren't immediately released. It wasn't clear what caused the collision.