Medical evacuation plane kills eight as it explodes in ball of flames during take-off from Philippine capital Manila
- Lion Air flight was heading from Manila to Haneda, Japan, at 8pm on Sunday
- Six on board were Filipino with one from America and another from Canada
- Plane was being used by health department to fight the coronavirus outbreak
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
A medical evacuation plane has killed eight people after it exploded in a ball of flames during take off.
The Lion Air flight was heading from Manila, Philippines, to Haneda, Japan, at 8pm on Sunday.
But as it reached the end of the runway for takeoff it burst into flames, killing all passengers and crew on board.
A medical evacuation plane (pictured) has killed eight people after it exploded in a ball of flames during take off. Pictured: Fire rescue services at the scene
The Lion Air flight (pictured) was heading from Manila, Philippines, to Haneda, Japan, at 8pm on Sunday
The twin-jet West Wind 24 was carrying three medical personnel, three flight crew, a patient and a companion, according to Richard Gordon, a senator and head of the Philippine Red Cross.
It is thought that six of those on board were Filipino with one from America and another from Canada, according to Manila Airport’s general manager.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) confirmed in a statement that: ‘Unfortunately, no passenger survived the accident.’
It added that an investigation by the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines is now underway but a technical problem is believed to be the cause of the explosion.
The twin-jet West Wind 24 was carrying three medical personnel, three flight crew, a patient and a companion. Pictured: Wreckage of the plane
It is thought that six of those on board were Filipino with one from America and another from Canada, according to Manila Airport’s general manager. Pictured: Charred cock pit
The plane was being used by the Philippine health department to help fight the coronavirus outbreak. Pictured: Police and fire crews examine the wreckage
The runway will remain temporarily closed.
The aftermath was caught on camera as footage emerged showing a huge plume of smoke rising into the night sky as fire crews doused the fuselage with foam.
The plane was being used by the Philippine health department to help fight the coronavirus outbreak.
The Philippines have so far reported 1,418 confirmed cases of Covid-19 which have led to 71 deaths.
Airport aviation security personnel inspect the tail of a Lion Air plane that crashed on the runway of the international airport in Manila, Philippines the day after the accident took place
The medical evacuation plane killed eight people after it exploded during take off