Philippine's Military Plane Crash Tragedy: 45 Died, Many injured

At least 45 people lost their lives while dozens of others were injured on Sunday when a Philippine military aircraft carrying troops crashed and burst into flames after it missed the runway in the country’s south, as per the officials.

Almost a hundred people, mostly recent army graduates, were on the C-130 Hercules transport plane which was trying to land on Jolo island in Sulu province around midday. According to Major General William Gonzales, Joint Task Force-Sulu's commander, few of the soldiers were seen jumping out of the plane before it hit the ground.

It was one of the Philippines ’ deadliest military aviation tragedies. "This is very sad, but we have to remain hopeful," stated Gonzales in a statement. "We command the nation for praying for the injured and for those who have perished in this calamity."

The dead includes 42 soldiers and three civilians, while four civilians were injured as per the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Forty-nine military personnel, as well as four civilians, were also wounded and taken to hospital.

Five military persons are still missing. Joint Task Force-Sulu released the crash site photo which showed the damaged tail and the smoking wreckage of the military plane laying near coconut trees.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana stated he had ordered a detailed inquiry of the incident, which would start soon after rescue and recovery operations had been completed.

Read more: Gas Leakage Blamed For The 'Eye Of Fire' In Mexican Water: Pemex

However, the military has not found any sign of an attack on the plane.