A Philippines military transport aircraft with at least 85 people on board has crashed in the south of the country, the armed forces say.
More than 40 people have been rescued and have been taken to hospital, armed forces chief Cirilito Sobejana, said.
The plane, a C130 Hercules, was trying to land in Jolo island in Sulu province when it overshot the runway.
Seventeen bodies are said to have been recovered from the crash site at Patikul.
Flames and smoke were seen rising from the wreckage.
LOOK: The C-130 crash site in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday (July 4, 2021). The aircraft was on a troop transport mission, according to AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. | via Priam Nepomuceno (📸: courtesy of Bridge Bridge, PTV) pic.twitter.com/aVlGfs43f7
— Phil News Agency (@pnagovph) July 4, 2021
The plane, which crashed at 11:30 local time (03:30 GMT), was carrying troops from Cagayan de Oro, on the southern island of Mindanao.
"It missed the runway, trying to regain power but it didn't make it," Gen Sobejana told reporters.
The soldiers were part of the military's stepped-up presence in the southern Philippines to combat Islamist militants such as the Abu Sayyaf group.
The state news agency carried pictures of the crash site showing wreckage on fire in a wooded area close to a number of buildings.
Latest Stories
-
GBC accuses Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh of demolishing its bungalow illegally
6 mins -
Boost for education as government commissions 80 projects
17 mins -
NAPO commissions library to honour Atta-Mills’ memory
28 mins -
OmniBSIC Bank champions health and wellness with thriving community walk
30 mins -
Kora Wearables unveils Neo: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Ghana’s tech-savvy and health-conscious users
34 mins -
NDC supports Dampare’s ‘no guns at polling stations’ directive
37 mins -
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
54 mins -
KNUST’s Prof. Reginald Annan named first African recipient of World Cancer Research Fund
55 mins -
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
2 hours -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
2 hours -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
2 hours -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
2 hours -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
2 hours -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
2 hours -
Retain NPP for the good of Ghana – Rebecca Akufo-Addo
2 hours