An aircraft has crashed in Indonesia, killing all 11 people on board as emergency teams continue recovery operations in difficult terrain.
The Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42-500 turboprop was flying from Yogyakarta toward Makassar when it lost contact with air traffic control shortly before its expected landing.
Local authorities later confirmed the plane had crashed near the steep slopes of Mount Bulusaraung in the Maros District of South Sulawesi.
Rescue teams, including military and police units, worked under harsh weather conditions to reach the site.
Wreckage and debris have been found scattered across a forested mountainside and ongoing searches are focused on locating victims’ remains and investigating the cause of the crash.
The aircraft was chartered for a government maritime surveillance mission on behalf of Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, carrying three ministry officials and eight crew members.
Authorities believe the plane may have deviated from its approach path before radar and radio contact were lost, though the exact sequence of events remains under investigation.
Officials have not yet released detailed statements on what caused Saturday’s crash, but poor visibility, mountainous terrain and possible navigational difficulties are being examined as contributing factors.
Indonesia’s aviation safety record has been under scrutiny in past years and this latest tragedy is expected to prompt renewed calls for improvements in safety oversight and infrastructure.
A formal investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is now underway and authorities have promised to share findings with the public once available.
