6 survive Indonesian plane crash

An Indonesian jetliner crashed into a crowded residential neighbourhood in the city of Medan shortly after take-off today, killing 141 people, some on the ground. Six passengers survived.

It was the second deadly plane crash in Indonesia in nine months. The Mandala Airlines Boeing 737 was heading to Jakarta in overcast weather when it crashed seconds after take-off, bursting into flames and sending thick clouds of black smoke high into the air.

Firefighters struggling to put out the blaze, which engulfed dozens of houses and at least 10 cars, were assisted by rain.

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

Zainul Tahar, who is co-ordinating the search and rescue efforts, said 30 people on the ground were also killed. Hospitals in the city were treating at least a dozen injured residents, officials said.

One of the survivors, Rohadi Sitepu, said all who lived were in the back the plane.