8 killed as plane reportedly carrying medical supplies crashes in Philippines

Manila

A Tokyo-bound plane crashed while taking off from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines capital city of Manila yesterday, killing all eight on board, airport personnel said.

All passengers on board Lion Air Flight RPC 5880 died after the plane caught fire as it was taking off from the airport, according to Manila’s International Airport Authority. An American and Canadian were on board the flight, according to the flight’s passenger manifest.

The other six on board were Filipino, according to the manifest. The passengers included medical personnel, according to Red Cross spokesman Richard Gordon.

The plane was reportedly carrying medical supplies, the Philippines News Agency said, adding that the plane caught fire on the runway. The crashed aircraft, is an Israel Aircraft Industries IAI- 1124A Westwind model. It was equipped with two General Electric GE-CJ610 engines, a report said.