Plane crash in Medan, Indonesia. At least 74 have been killed
Thousands of onlookers soon gathered near the scene of the wreckage. Adam Malik hospital spokeswoman Sairi M. Saragih said the hospital had taken in 20 bodies so far.
Two people who lived where the crash happened are critically injured.
GRIM TASK: Indonesian rescue personnel retrieve human remains from the scene [AFP/GETTY]
FEAR: Residents gather next to the crash site of the Hercules plane in Indonesia [AFP/GETTY]
“Flames and black smoke were coming from the plane in the air”
Eyewitness Fahmi Sembiring
The crash of the transport plane occurred just two minutes after it took off from Soewondo air force base.
Air force chief Air Marshall Agus Supriatna said the pilot told the control tower that the plane needed to turn back because of engine trouble.
“The plane crashed while it was turning right to return to the airport,” Supriatna said.
There were 17 military personnel on the plane, he said.
Medan resident Fahmi Sembiring said he saw the gray Hercules flying very low as he was driving.
“Flames and black smoke were coming from the plane in the air,” he said.
RESCUE: Firemen and security forces attempt to extinguish the fire surrounding the wreckage of the plane [REUTERS]
CHAOS: Thousands of people gather around the burning plane [AFP/GETTY]