In a failed landing on the Philippine island of Jolo, numerous soldiers are believed to have died. There were more than 80 inmates on board the military machine.
Manila – At least 17 soldiers were killed in the crash of a military plane in the Philippines with more than 80 passengers on board. This was announced by the Ministry of Defense of the Southeast Asian island state.
At least 40 soldiers survived the accident 1,000 kilometers south of the capital Manila. The C-130 plane missed the runway when it landed in Patikul on the island of Jolo, said military spokesman Cirilito Sobejana. When trying to start again, she crashed. The rescue work continued.
Fire broke out at the scene of the accident
“We are doing our best to save the passengers,” emphasized Sobejana. In the accident in the morning (local time) a fire broke out. The rescued were immediately taken to a military hospital on Jolo.
The machine was reportedly started near Manila at an air force base and then on its way to Jolo via Cagayan de Oro on the island of Mindanao. She was transporting troops. Most of the passengers had just finished their basic training, it was said from military circles. dpa
