JAKARTA, Indonesia - An Indonesian jetliner crashed into a residential neighborhood in the city of Medan one minute after takeoff Monday and burst into flames. The director of a local hospital said at least 60 people were killed.
The airport in Medan, the largest city on Sumatra island, is close to the center of town and surrounded by densely populated residential areas.
The plane was operated by Mandala, a low-cost carrier, and was heading to Jakarta when it crashed, Rizal, a witness, told Metro television station.
It was not immediately clear how many people were on board the plane, but Rizal said he saw at least 30 charred bodies at the accident site.
Firefighters were at the scene trying to put out the blaze, witnesses told the station.
The airport in Medan, the largest city on Sumatra island, is close to the center of town and surrounded by densely populated residential areas.