Cargo plane crashes in Kyrgyzstan, killing over 30

A Turkish cargo plane crashed just outside of Manas Airport in Kyrgyzstan en route from Hong Kong to İstanbul early on Monday morning. The crash destroyed approximately fifteen buildings and resulted in the death of over 30 people, including four crew members, according to the Kyrgyz emergencies ministry.

A Kyrgyz official tentatively ascribed the crash to pilot error. The conditions at the time were foggy. The Boeing 747 plane was supposed to make a stop-over at Manas Airport on its way to İstanbul.

The crash occurred in the village of Dacha-Suu, Kyrgyzstan, while many people were still sleeping. The casualties are reported to have included children. Despite the fog, other flights are reported to have landed safely leading up to the collision. Following the collision Manas airport was closed, and yesterday was declared a day of national mourning in Kyrgyzstan. The flight was operated by ACT Airlines.

Manas international airport is located outside the capital city of Bishkek, and has been the location of other fatal crashes. These include a Boeing 737 en route to Iran, which crashed shortly after take-off in 2008, killing 68 of at least 90 people on board.