Military plane crash in Philippines

45 people died in the southern Philippines but dozens were pulled alive after a military plane crashed in Jojo Island, a few kilometres from the town of Jolo. Several dozens were injured and five people are still missing.

The transporter overshot on the runway at 11.30 local time and crashed, promptly bursting into flames with a large black cloud of smoke. The plane was carrying around 90 people, mostly troop Cagayan de Oro, on the southern island of Mindanao.

3 civilians were killed and rest of the deceased were military personnel. Many of those on board had only recently completed basic military training, AFP reports. Rescue workers are scouring the wreckage of the plane in woods near buildings. A nearby military hospital treated survivors.

The regional military force Joint Task Force Sulu, stated "a number of soldiers were seen jumping out of the aircraft before it hit the ground, sparing them from the explosion caused by the crash". Details about their escape or their condition are undisclosed.

There was no sign of an attack on the aircraft according to officials, and an investigation will be opening up after the rescue operation commences.

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