Three People Survived The Crash
A Lao military plane crashed on Saturday as it approached an airport, killing five senior officials and members of the crew on board.
Around twenty people were on the aircraft, including the defense minister Douangchay Phichit and other top members of the country’s ruling party when the accident happened.
The senior officials were set to attend a commemoration ceremony in Xieng Khouang province.
The military plane left the capital Vientiane on Saturday morning with senior military officers and other government officials.
Douangchay’s wife and some of his aids also died in the plane crash.
Three people, including a flight attendant, reportedly survived the accident.
US Saddened By The Loss Of Life
In a press statement, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said the US is deeply saddened to hear the news of the plane crash in Laos and extends its deepest condolences to the Government of Laos.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with all the people of Laos at this difficult time.” – Ms. Psaki
In October 2013, a Laotian civilian airplane crashed into the Mekong River due to bad weather, killing all 49 people on board.
Laos is one of Asia’s poorest nations.
