UPDATE 4 - 257 dead as Algerian aircraft crashes near capital

*UPDATE WITH OFFICIAL DEATH TOLL

By Abdul Razzaq bin Abdullah

ALGIERS (AA) – At least 257 people were killed when an Algerian military aircraft crashed on Wednesday near the capital Algiers, according to Algeria’s Defense Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said the aircraft crashed in a field near the Boufarik military base in Bilda province, less than 20 miles from Algiers.

It said the military aircraft was heading for Bechar in southwestern Algeria when it went down.

A total of 247 people and 10 crew members were killed in the crash, the ministry said, adding that most of the victims were military personnel and some of their families.

It remains unclear whether there were any survivors in the crash.

The Defense Ministry said Algerian army chief of staff, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, has ordered an investigation into the crash.

According to local media, the Iliouchine-type plane had been transporting dozens of troops and equipment when it crashed.

TV footage showed a huge plume of black smoke billowing from the plane wreckage.