Manila (ANTARA News/Xinhua-0ANA) - The death toll in a light plane crash in Paranaque City in Philippines' capital region of Metro Manila on Saturday afternoon, climbed to 13, and several others injured, authorities said.

The twin engine Queen Air cargo aircraft crashed at a residential area in Taiwan Street, Don Bosco, Better Living Subdivision of Paranaque city shortly after 2 p.m., police said.

The victims included the pilot and co-pilot identified as Timothy Albo and Jesse Kim, and a passenger on the aircraft.

The plane, which was supposedly bound for San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, left the hangar of the General Aviation Area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City a few minutes after it crashed.

Witnesses said they heard loud explosions before the plane went on fire, razing about 20 houses and nearby elementary school buildings.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) was still investigating the cause of the incident.

But according to CAAP Director General Ramon Gutierrez, the pilot of the plane called up the tower for emergency relanding. However, after that the tower lost the contact with the pilot later. (H-AK)

Editor: Ade P Marboen
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