Rescue workers in Indonesia are battling to save the passengers and crew of an aircraft that burst into flames on landing in Yogyakarta.
Rescue workers in Indonesia are battling to save the passengers and crew of an aircraft that burst into flames on landing in Yogyakarta, Java.
The Boeing 737-400, owned by state airline Garuda, was said to be carrying 140 people. Officials say 93 survivors have so far been accounted for.
The Boeing 737-400, owned by state airline Garuda, was said to be carrying 140 people. Officials say 93 survivors have so far been accounted for.
Eyewitnesses said they had seen several bodies in and around the wreckage.
Many of those left on board as fire engulfed the plane are feared dead.
The incident occurred as the plane arrived in Yogyakarta from the capital, Jakarta, about 0700 (0000 GMT).
The incident occurred as the plane arrived in Yogyakarta from the capital, Jakarta, about 0700 (0000 GMT).
Survivors say large numbers of passengers escaped through the emergency doors before the plane burst into flames. It had reportedly shaken violently before landing.
Survivors say large numbers of passengers escaped through the emergency doors before the plane burst into flames. It had reportedly shaken violently before landing.
One woman described how she could smell smoke from the fuselage and helped a friend out on to the airstrip before hearing a large explosion behind her.
One woman described how she could smell smoke from the fuselage and helped a friend out on to the airstrip before hearing a large explosion behind her.
Some survivors are being treated in hospital with apparently severe injuries or burns.
Engulfed by flames
Engulfed by flames
Some of those on board have been taken to hospital with apparently severe injuries or burns and there is concern for those left inside the plane after it was engulfed by fire.
Emergency teams are still trying to recover victims' bodies but have been slowed by fire recurring in the fuselage.
The plane was carrying Indonesian public figures and Australian government officials and journalists on their way to a meeting with the Australian foreign minister who is visiting Indonesia this week.
The state airline is providing flights to take victims' families to the scene.
Among those still to be accounted for are several Australian passengers - government officials and journalists on their way to a meeting with the Australian foreign minister who is visiting Indonesia this week.
Prime Minister John Howard said up to 10 Australians were aboard, "and not all of those have been accounted for".
Prime Minister John Howard said up to 10 Australians were aboard, "and not all of those have been accounted for".
The operations chief at Yogyakarta airport said the front wheel of the plane was on fire as it landed, causing it to veer off the runway and hit a boundary fence.
The operations chief at Yogyakarta airport said the front wheel of the plane was on fire as it landed, causing it to veer off the runway and hit a boundary fence.
He said an engine had then broken away from the plane and the fuselage burst into flames. The aircraft came to rest in the middle of paddy field.
He said an engine had then broken away from the plane and the fuselage burst into flames. The aircraft came to rest in the middle of a rice field.
Indonesia has suffered several recent transport accidents, including an Adam Air plane, also a Boeing 737-400, that disappeared in January with 102 passengers and crew on board, and a ferry sinking in late December in which hundreds died.
The BBC's Lucy Williamson in Jakarta says the incident comes at a time when Indonesia's poor transport safety record is under the spotlight following a recent string of disasters.
In January an Adam Air plane, also a Boeing 737-400, disappeared with 102 passengers and crew on board, and in December hundreds died when a ferry sank in the Java Sea.
Are you in Yogyakarta? Did have friends or relatives who were on the plane? Email us with your account below.
Are you in Yogyakarta? Did have friends or relatives who were on the plane? Email us with your account below.
