Metro53 - Jakarta (Web Desk): A passenger aircraft crashed in Indonesia, killing all 11 people on board. The plane was being used for domestic flights.
According to international news agencies, the small ATR 42-500 aircraft, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, had taken off for a domestic flight. The plane departed from the city of Yogyakarta and was heading toward South Sulawesi when contact with air traffic control was suddenly lost shortly after takeoff.
Communication with the aircraft was lost near a mountainous area called Liang in Maros district, where weather conditions were also reported to be unfavorable. Initial reports suggest that during the approach phase, the aircraft was not following air traffic control instructions, after which contact was lost.
Search and rescue teams immediately launched an operation using helicopters, drones, and ground forces. During the operation, debris and signs of small fires were spotted at various locations. Rescue efforts faced difficulties due to the mountainous and rugged terrain.
The aircraft was carrying 8 crew members and 3 passengers, all of whom died at the scene of the crash. The plane was part of the Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) fleet and was also being used for maritime surveillance missions.
Witnesses reported hearing explosion-like sounds near the crash site; however, the exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined. Indonesia, being an archipelagic country, relies heavily on air travel for transportation between its islands.
