Iranian Military Plane Crashes; 119 Dead 40 minutes ago



TEHRAN, Iran - An Iranian military transport plane crashed into a 10-story apartment building on Tuesday, killing 119 people, including 25 on the ground, state media and officials said.

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Tehran's mayor said that all 94 people aboard the plane were killed, and Tehran radio said 25 people were killed on the ground.

The building was reported to be on fire, and fire fighters were on the scene working to save people trapped in the building in the Azari residential district.

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Thousands Mourn Iran Air Crash Victims
December 8, 2005
Thousands of mourners flooded central Tehran on Thursday for a funeral ceremony for at least 108 people killed in Tuesday's plane crash that the families of victims have blamed on poor safety procedures.

Military officials have denied witness statements that they knew before take-off the plane had technical problems. Minutes after departure the pilot reported engine failure and crashed into an apartment block attempting an emergency landing.

"If they were sure that the plane had some technical problems they should have canceled this trip," said Bijan, who was among those who turned out to join family members and colleagues of the dead at the funeral procession.

"Planes are not like buses. They should be totally sure there is no problem," he said.

A judge has been appointed to investigate whether the US-made transport plane operated by Iran's Air Force, which was carrying journalists to cover military exercises in the Gulf, was fit to fly.

Wailing and sobs filled the air as the mourners walked slowly behind pick-up trucks carrying the coffins of the dead.

Journalists covering the event, most of whom knew many of those killed, had tears streaming down their faces as they took notes or snapped photographs.

The crash killed all 94 people aboard the Air Force transport plane. Several others died as flames engulfed the building and nearby cars.

The death toll stands at 108, the Coroner's Office told the semi-official Mehr News agency, although many of the bodies were so badly burned and disfigured that they have not yet been identified.

At least 68 of the victims were journalists and technicians from local media organizations.

"They were servants of this nation. They were like family to us. It was my duty to come," said Asieh Mirzahrai, 50, a retired army employee.

Most of the dead were due to be buried at Tehran's main cemetery later on Thursday.

(Reuters)

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