2015-07-01 18:40:00

Indonesia promises military safety review after plane crash


(Vatican Radio)  Indonesia is promising a review of military safety after a transport plane packed with service personnel and civilian passengers ploughed into a city neighbourhood. At least 141 people are dead.

Listen to the report by Alastair Wanklyn:



Indonesia's air force said the C-130 plane had 122 people aboard, mostly service personnel and their families. It came down in a residential neighbourhood in the city of Medan, reportedly hitting a hotel and other buildings.

The plane was said to be in good condition. It crashed about two minutes after taking off from an airfield in Medan. Indonesia's air force chief said the pilot reported engine trouble and began to turn back.

One eyewitness said the plane was on fire before it crashed.

Indonesia has a patchy air safety record. Ten years ago a Boeing 7-37 civilian airliner crashed in the same city, killing 143 people, including 30 on the ground.

President Joko Widodo on Wednesday ordered a "fundamental overhaul" of the management of military equipment. He said Indonesia needs to think about modernizing its defence systems.

But its civilian airlines, too, are widely accused of operating without regard for safety certification.

The European Commission* currently lists 59 Indonesian airlines and operators as banned from flying in European airspace, although it is unclear how many of the companies are still operating.








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