Hope for 18 on downed Indonesia plane as wreck found

Rescuers trying to reach a plane that crashed in the mountains of western Indonesia have spotted the wreckage is intact with one of its doors opened, raising hope that there could be survivors among the 18 on board.

The Spanish-designed CASA C-212 lost contact with air traffic control halfway through its 30-minute flight between North Sumatra and Aceh provinces yesterday.

PT Nusantara Buana Air official Robur Rizallianto said today that rescuers have found the wreckage of the aircraft during an aerial survey.

He said the plane appeared to be largely intact, with wings still fused to its body, and one of its doors was open.

Indonesia has been plagued by transportation accidents in recent years mostly caused by overcrowding and poor safety standards.

AP