At least 45 people have died after a Philippine Air Force plane crashed Sunday in the southern Philippines and rescue and recovery operations continue amid the country’s worst military air disaster.
At least 45 killed when Philippine Air Force plane crashes
The C-130 military aircraft was carrying troops from Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, to Sulu province when it lost its runway on Jolo Island.
The plane, which was carrying more than 90 military personnel and crew, crashed in nearby Patikul at 11:30 local time Sunday (11:30 p.m.
ET). It is unknown at this time if there were any casualties on the ground.
“Minutes after the crash, troops and civilian volunteers rushed to the scene to conduct search and rescue efforts. According to eyewitnesses, several soldiers were seen jumping out of the aircraft before it crashed to the ground, saving themselves from the explosion caused by the crash,” according to a Joint Task Force Sulu press release.
Images of the crash show a large plume of smoke rising through palm trees into the sky.
Some civilians killed after plane crash in the Philippines
Among the dead are 42 military personnel and three civilians. Of the 53 injured, 49 are military personnel and four civilians, according to AFP.
The dead and injured civilians were on the ground at the crash site.
At least 50 people were hospitalized after the crash, and some were evacuated to “Zamboanga City for further treatment,” the statement said.
Five military personnel who were aboard the plane are still missing, according to the military.
Joint Task Force Sulu commander William N Gonzales said the plane’s personnel “were to report to their battalions today. They were to join us in our fight against terrorism,” he added.
