45 feared dead in Russian jet crash

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Rescuers discovered bodies on Thursday near the shattered wreckage of a new Russian-made passenger plane that smashed into the steep side of an Indonesian volcano during a flight to impress potential buyers. All 45 people on board were feared dead.

Due to the remoteness of the crash site, the bodies will be placed in nets and lifted by ropes to a hovering chopper, national search and rescue agency spokesman Gagah Prakoso said. They will be evacuated to the capital, Jakarta, for identification by family members.

"So far we haven't found any survivors, but we are still searching," he said, as more soldiers, police and volunteers hiked through the mist-shrouded slopes toward the wreck.

The Sukhoi Superjet-100 - Russia's first new model of passenger jet since the fall of the Soviet Union two decades ago - was in Indonesia as part of a six-nation tour of Asia aimed at drumming up new customers.

It was carrying dozens of representatives from Indonesian airlines and journalists on what was supposed to be a quick, 50-minute demonstration flight on Wednesday. Some excited passengers snapped pictures of themselves smiling and waving in front of the twin-engine jet before liftoff, quickly posting them as their profiles on Facebook and Twitter.

Just 21 minutes after taking off from a Jakarta airfield, however, the Russian pilot and co-pilot asked air traffic control for permission to drop from 3,000 meters to 1,800 meters, said Daryatmo, chief of the national search and rescue agency. They gave no explanation, dropping off the radar immediately afterward.

It was not clear why the crew asked for the shift in course, he said, especially when they were so close to the 2,200-meter volcano, or if they got the OK.

Communication tapes will be reviewed as part of the investigation.

Soon after, they hit the jagged ridge on top of Mount Salak, a long-dormant volcano, leaving a giant earthy gash along the steep slope as it stripped trees.

Family members, many of whom spent a long, sleepless night at the airport, broke down in tears on hearing news that the wreckage had been spotted, first by helicopter, then by land search-and-rescue teams.

Questions:

1. How many people were onboard?

2. Where did the plane take off from?

3. Where was the plane made?

Answers:

1. 45.

2. Jakarta.

3. Russia.

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.