News Digest

Dozens reported dead as military plane crashes into Indonesian city centre

A military plane crashed into houses and hotels in the city of Medan in Indonesia on Tuesday, killing dozens of people. Twelve of them, including the pilot, were aboard the C-130 Hercules when it crashed shortly after take-off, according to officials. Local television showed black smoke and flames billowing from a residential neighbourhood. Red Cross worker Eko Triandi, who was helping emergency teams at a nearby hospital, said it had received 38 bodies, including that of a child.

Based on reports, there are many victims still in the field.

Red Cross worker Eko Triandi

Air force chief Air Marshall Agus Supriatna said the pilot told the control tower the plane needed to turn back because of engine trouble. “The plane crashed while it was turning right to return to the airport,” Mr Supriatna said. He said there were 17 military personnel on the plane. Indonesia has a patchy aviation safety record. Between 2007 and 2009, the European Union barred Indonesian airlines from flying to Europe because of safety concerns.