Military aircraft with 85 passengers crashes in the Philippines

Philippines, (rt.com), 4 Jul, 2021 - A Philippines military plane has crashed in Sulu province. So far, 40 people have been rescued, and 17 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage.  

Philippines military chief Cirilito Sobejana confirmed that a C-130 transport plane had crashed in Jolo, the province’s capital. The plane, which was transporting troops at the time of the accident, missed the runway while landing and crashed into a nearby village, Sobejana explained. Reports citing the military said that at least 85 passengers were aboard the aircraft.   

At least 40 people have been rescued so far, while the current death toll stands at 17. Military and civilian firefighters are currently working to put out a fire that has reportedly engulfed much of the aircraft.   

A photograph purportedly taken near the crash site shows a large billow of smoke rising up into the sky. Other videos and photographs posted to social media appear to show a large fire at the scene of the accident.