Yet another 737 crashes today
 

60 dead in Indonesia air crash

06:40am 5th September 2005


An Indonesian jetliner crashed into a residential neighbourhood in the city of Medan one minute after takeoff and burst into flames, killing at least 60 people, witnesses said.

The Boeing 737 was operated by Mandala, a low-cost carrier, and was heading to Jakarta when it crashed into a crowded housing complex, Rizal, a witness, told Metro television station.

The plane was carrying at least 109 people, Transport Minister Hatta Radjasa said, adding that it was too early to say whether anyone survived or how many, if any, perished on the ground.

Have your say » Syahrial Anas, a doctor who was overseeing the removal of bodies, said at least 60 people were killed.

"We're having a hard time getting to the bodies, because of the heat," he said, adding that dozens of ambulances and firefighters were heading to the scene in heavy traffic.

The airport in Medan, the largest city on Sumatra island, is close to the centre of town and is surrounded by densely populated residential areas.

Indonesia's last crash involving a jetliner occurred in February 2005, when 26 people were killed when a plane operated by Lion Air, another low-cost carrier, skidded off the runway on Java Island, killing 26 people.

Mandala, which is partially owned by the military, has recently slashed the number of flights it operates to stay in business amid aggressive competition by newer airlines.

Many of its planes are more than 10 years old.