147 people killed as plane crashes after take-off

AN INDONESIAN jetliner crashed into a crowded neighbourhood moments after a shaky take-off yesterday and burst into flames, killing 147 people, including dozens on the ground.

At least 15 passengers survived, among them an 18-month-old boy.

The Mandala Airlines Boeing 737-200 was heading to Jakarta in overcast weather when it ploughed into a row of houses 500 yards from the airport and skidded onto a busy road in this city on north-east Sumatra island. Witnesses said some people were on fire as they fled the wreckage.