16 January,2017 12:03 PM IST | | IANS
At least 37 people were killed when a cargo plane belonging to Turkish MyCargo Airlines crashed in a residential neighbourhood near Kyrgyzstans capital Bishkek, according to the emergency ministry
Representational picture
Bishkek: At least 37 people were killed when a cargo plane belonging to Turkish MyCargo Airlines crashed in a residential neighbourhood near Kyrgyzstans capital Bishkek, according to the emergency ministry.
"We are confirming data on the number of those killed in the plane crash, lists vary but at least 30 locals and crew members are estimated to have died," a Kyrgyz Emergency Situations Ministry said.
The plane was enroute from Hong Kong to Istanbul, Sputnik News Agency reported.
It crashedin the village of Dacha-Suu, near the capital city's Manas airport, destroying at least 15 homes.
Eight people were hospitalised, including six children.
Kyrgyz Health Ministry spokeswoman Elena Bayalinova said: "The pilot died at the scene of the plane crash."
The Emergency Situations Ministry also reported that there were four crew members onboard aircraft, one of them survived.
In a statement, Yahya Ãstün , SVP Media Relations Turkish Airlines, said, "A cargo flight with TC-MCL registration number, operated by ACT Airlines, departed from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) . to Bishkek Manas International Airport (FRU) had an accident near Bishkek at around 01:40 UTC. Please kindly be informed that, neither the aircraft nor the crew are members of Turkish Airlines."
