JUNEAU, Alaska — A plane believed to be carrying eight people, including former Sen. Ted Stevens, crashed in southwest Alaska, and rescue crews were trying to reach the wreckage early today, authorities said.

Alaska National Guard spokesman Maj. Guy Hayes said there were possible fatalities. Five good Samaritans were on scene early today helping the crash victims, he said. It was unclear how they reached the site.

A U.S. government official said that Alaska authorities have been told the former longtime Republican senator is among several passengers on the plane. The official, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, said Stevens' condition is unknown.

The federal official declined to be publicly identified because the crash response and investigation are under way.

Hayes said the Guard was called to the area about 20 miles north of Dillingham about 7 p.m. Monday after a passing aircraft saw the downed plane. Severe weather has hampered search and rescue efforts.

Hayes said he was told by Alaska State Troopers that there were "eight or nine" people on board.

The National Weather Service reported rain and fog at Dillingham, with low clouds and limited visibility early today.