Biak, Papua, (Antara)- The chief of the Air Force's Operations Command II, Air Vice Marshal Sugeng Umar Haryono, personally led the evacuation of the victims of Air Force plane Hercules A 1330 Hsa 334 that crashed in Wamena, Papua, Sunday morning.
"The twelve bodies of the crew have been found dead and they would be taken to Biak before being flown to their home villages," he said at the Manuhua air base.
He said the Air Force would send 34 personnel from the special force Paskhas to carry out the evacuation leaving from Manuhua air base.
"The 12 soldiers died while on state duty. The TNI AU (air force) expressed deep condolences (to their families)," he said.
The plane took off at 05.34am East Indonesia Time from the Mozes Kilangin airport in Timika for Wamena carrying construction supplies such as cement.
Information came at 06.05 East Indonesia Time that the plane had crashed in Minimo village in the district of Jayawijaya.
The plane was piloted by Mayor Marlon Kawer with crew members consisting of Major Mario A Kawer, Captain J.Hotian F. Saragih, First Lieutenant Hanggo. Fitradhi, First Lieutenant Fajar Prayogo, Chief Warrant Officer Lukman Hakim, Chief Warrant Officer Suyata, Chief Warrant Officer Lieutanant Khusen, Chief Warrant Officer Agung Tri. W., Sergeant Major Fatoni, Sergeant Major Khodori and Second Sergeant Suyanto.(*)
