Indonesia to call off search for plane crash victims as death toll reaches 141

Indonesian authorities will call off a two-day search for victims after a military transport plane crashed into a residential area in Sumatra, killing around 140 people. The Hercules C-130B was carrying 122 passengers when it crashed into houses in the northern city of Medan shortly after takeoff on Tuesday, killing all on board and more on the ground. Military spokesman Fuad Basya said 135 people were confirmed dead, although Indonesian media reported on Thursday at least 141 bodies had been recovered from the crash site.

We have not found any bodies since yesterday, so hopefully, we will be able to finish the search-and-rescue operation today.

Military spokesman Fuad Basya.

The incident is the latest in a string of aviation disasters to hit Indonesia and prompted President Joko Widodo to order a review of its aging air force fleet. The type of plane that crashed in Medan went into service half a century ago. The Indonesian air force has now lost four C-130Bs, a model that forms the backbone of its transport fleet. Jakarta has grounded its remaining eight C-130Bs until investigators discover the cause of the crash.

World Indonesia