Turkey extends condolences over Indonesia plane crash

By Handan Kazanci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkey extended condolences to Indonesia over the crash of a passenger plane on Saturday.

“We have learned with great sadness that a passenger airplane flying from Jakarta to the city of Pontianak in Indonesia crashed shortly after takeoff today, resulting in the loss of life of more than 60 people," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"We share the grief of friendly and brotherly people of Indonesia. We wish the mercy of Allah upon those who lost their lives in the tragic accident and extend our heartfelt condolences to their bereaved loved ones," the statement added.

The Sriwijaya Air flight SJY 182 had 50 passengers on board, including 10 children, plus 12 crew members, according to Indonesia’s transport minister.

Debris believed to be from the missing plane has been found in waters around Jakarta’s Thousand Islands regency, authorities said.