Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - All 46 passengers of a plane operated by Merpati Airlines survived after it skidded off the El Tari airport runway in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday morning.

"The 46 passengers, including one infant and four crew members survived the incident. It is also reported that the shocked passengers were immediately rushed to a nearby Air Force`s Hospital," said Head of state-owned airport company PT Angkasa Pura El Tari Kupang Airport Imam Pramono told reporters.

He said that the causes of the incident is unknown, and still need further investigation by authorities.

El Tari Kupang Airport Air Force Base Commander Lieutenant Colonel Pilot Eko Dono Indarto said that his personnel directly placed police line at the scene for the investigation.

"We do not know the causes of the incident, so it needs further investigation to determine the causes," he said.

According to witnesses, the plane stopped in place while the front wheels touched the runway while landing. As a result, the aircraft skidded out of the runway.

The passengers survived the incident, but some of them who were still shocked after the incident immediately rushed to the hospital.

"I was shocked when I heard the explosion. A hard impact may occur while landing and made the plane skidded off the runway," said Benny Lapebesi, a resident.

(A050/O001)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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