At least 105 killed in military plane crash in Algeria

ALGIERS - At least 105 soldiers on Wednesday morning were killed in a military plane crash in Blida province, 30 km southwest of Algiers, Ennahar private television channel quoted official sources as saying.

An Ilyushin I76 troop carrier belonging to the Algerian Air Force crashed in the perimeter of the military airbase of Boufarik in Blida province, Defense Ministry confirmed in a statement.

Official sources noted that the plane, with more than 200 soldiers on board, was departing for the southwest province of Bechar, before crashing in an unpopulated green field near the airport.

A thick black smoke emanated from the crashed jet, which could be visible from the highway linking Algiers to Blida.

Emergency services have been dispatched to the site of the crash.

Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Ahmed Gaid Salah, has extended condolences to the families of the victims and ordered to open an investigation into the accident.