Indonesia crash highlights air disaster record

(Vatican Radio) More than 100 people are feared dead after a military transport plane crashed into a residential area of the Indonesian city of Medan on the island of Sumatra today. A major rescue operation is underway at the site of the crash, which is likely to mark worst tragedy yet for an air force with a dismal record of similar disasters.

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According to eye-witnesses, the Hercules C-130 plane appeared to explode before it hit two houses and a hotel, creating a huge fireball and covering the surrounding area in thick black smoke. There were believed to be no survivors on board the aircraft but rescuers struggled to find people thought to be trapped inside the wrecked buildings.

The crash occurred just minutes after the plane had left the air force base, following a call from the pilot to say he was turning back because of engine trouble.

A military spokesman said the aged transport plane, made in 1964, was still in good condition but the this latest disaster has thrown the spotlight on Indonesia’s woeful air safety record. Since 2009 there have been six other incidents involving military aircraft, while in 2005, a passenger plane came down in a crowded residential area of Medan shortly after take-off, killing 143 people.

With a population of about 3.4 million people, Medan is Indonesia’s third most populous city after Jakarta and Surabaya. Commenting on the crash on Twitter, President Joko Widodo said he and his family extend ``heartfelt condolences'' to the families of all the victims.