Kev, noticed that too, the gear down in the photo. Perhaps an engine fire which spread to the wing, emergency descent conducted, but with low level explosion, which would account for the fuselage being in one location and residents seeing and hearing it. All speculation of course. A friend of mine told me of a wing fire he had in a Metro years ago in Canada and he was able to dumbell back onto the runway, just made it to a stop when the wing burnt thru. He told me of a mate of his who elected to do the circuit to land into wind, but the wing burnt thru during the turn onto finals. I am not sure if the Metro has any fire detection/protection? I don't think it does, but any Metro drivers out there care to confirm?
R.I.P guys
Nosey