Hercules plane crashes in Wamena, all passengers safe

Wamena, Papua (ANTARA News) - All five passengers and crew members escaped after a Hercules cargo plane, operated by PT Manunggal Air, burst into flame on landing at Wamena airport in Papua at 9.20 local time on Thursday morning, Wamena police chief Marolop Manik said.

Pilot Jarot, copilot Sumardwiyanto, mechanic Benny Harahap, and five passengers of the ill-fated plane leapt from the plane`s emergency exits to escape the inferno which reduced the aircraft and its cargoes to a smoldering wreck.

Marolop Manik said the plane, carrying logistic supplies and diesel oil, flew into Wamena from Papua capital of Jayapura.

The plane landed smoothly at Wamena airport at first but when it rolled over the taxi way toward apron, a loud explosion was heard inside and then it burst into flame.

The accident occurred when Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Aburizal Bakrie, Home Affairs Minister Mardiyanto, and Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto were in Wamena for a working visit. (*) END