A Russian-built Antinov cargo plane crashes in Juba officials say 41 people killed

Juba, November 04, 2015 (GMN) - A Russian-built Antinov cargo plane has crashed shortly after taking off from South Sudan's capital Juba, a UN-backed radio station said.

Presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said the plane may have had about 20 people on board, including crew and 10 to 15 passengers, while an unknown number were killed on the ground.

But he said numbers were still being collated.A crew member and a child on board survived the crash, Mr Ateny said.A police officer, who did not give his name, said at least 41 people died. A Reuters witness also said he saw 41 bodies at the scene.

"Cargo plane heading to Paloch in Upper Nile State crashed just 800 metres from Juba International Airport runway," Radio Miraya reported.

The plane reportedly crashed on the banks of the White Nile river, which passes by close to Juba airport.

More to come.

AFP/Reuters

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