Indonesian rescuers have found the wreckage of the missing surveillance aircraft on a remote mountainside in South Sulawesi, and authorities say they have recovered one body. However, the fate of the other nine people on board remains unknown.
Crash and Search Effort
The ATR 42-500 turboprop operated by Indonesia Air Transport was flying from Yogyakarta to Makassar on a maritime surveillance mission for the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries when it lost contact with air traffic control on Saturday afternoon. Ten people were on board, three ministry staff and seven crew members monitoring fishing activities across Indonesian waters.
Radar data showed the plane disappeared near the Maros district in South Sulawesi, a region of steep hills and dense forest. Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing smoke in the area around the time the aircraft vanished, suggesting a possible crash before the wreckage was found.
On Sunday morning, search teams located parts of the aircraft scattered around Mount Bulusaraung, including sections of the fuselage and tail. The difficult terrain, heavy fog and strong winds have slowed rescue efforts, but teams are continuing to work to reach the crash site safely.
Official Investigation launched
So far, rescuers have confirmed the recovery of one body near the wreckage. Officials have not yet released the identity of the deceased or confirmed the condition of the remaining passengers and crew. Authorities are treating the accident site as a priority search area as weather and daylight allow. An official investigation into what caused the aircraft to crash will be launched once investigators reach the site and gather evidence.
Rescue teams, including military helicopters, drones and ground units, remain at work as they search for possible survivors and more remains.
Follow this story for updates as the search and investigation continue.
