Monday, September 5 2005 15:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jakarta: An Indonesian jetliner crashed into a crowded residential neighborhood in the city of Medan shortly after takeoff today (Sept 5, 2005), killing 141 people, some of them on the ground. Six passengers survived, officials said.

It was the second serious plane crash in Indonesia in nine months.

The Mandala Airlines Boeing 737 was heading to Jakarta when it crashed seconds after takeoff, bursting into flames and sending thick clouds of black smoke high into the air.

Firefighters struggled to put out the blaze which engulfed dozens of houses and at least 10 cars, but were assisted by a midmorning rain shower.

"The plane was carrying 117 passengers and crew, but only six people survived," said Alex Widjojo, a spokesman for the airline, contradicting earlier reports that all were killed.

Zainul Tahar, who is coordinating the search and rescue efforts, said 30 residents were also killed when the plane hit the ground.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Jetliner crashes in Indonesia, 117 on board dead
September 5 2005 13:40 Hrs (IST)

An Indonesian jetliner crashed into a crowded residential neighbourhood in the city of Medan shortly after takeoff today (Sept 5, 2005, killing all 117 on board and some people on the ground, officials said.

The Mandala Airlines Boeing 737 was heading to Jakarta when it crashed one minute after takeoff and burst into flames, said Transport Minister Hatta Radjasa.

It was carrying at least 117 passengers and crew, said the airline's acting president, Maj. Gen. Hasril Hamzah Tanjung.

"They have all died," Edi Sofyan, a Government spokesman in Medan, told sources by telephone. There were also casualties on the ground, he said, although he did not know how many.

Smoke billowed from the burning debris and dozens of houses and at least 10 cars were in flames or damaged. Hundreds of policemen, paramedics and residents were trying to evacuate victims.

Syahrial Anas, a doctor overseeing the removal of charred bodies, said flames were hampering their efforts. Officials said the dead included the governor of North Sumatra province, who was heading to the capital for a meeting with the president.

"We're having a hard time getting to the bodies, because of the heat," Anas told The AP.

Tanjung said an investigation was being carried out into the cause of the crash. The plane was nearly 25 years old, he said, and received its last comprehensive service in June. It had flown more than 50,000 hours and was due to be retired in 2016.