Thirteen people, most of whom children, were killed Saturday when a light plane crashed in a residential area outside Manila’s international airport, a city official said.
The six-seat Queen Air plane crashed behind an elementary school in suburban Paranaque, said the city’s police chief, Senior Superintendent Manuel Manuel.
Paranaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe confirmed that 13 bodies had been recovered.
“Most of the victims were children who were playing on the ground when the plane crashed,” he said.
Mr. Bernabe said dozens more people were rushed to different hospitals, most of whom suffered burn injuries.
“Some of those injured were in serious conditions,” he said.
Mr. Bernabe said at least 50 houses were set alight by the fire triggered by the crash.
The aircraft appeared to have developed engine trouble shortly after takeoff at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, said Ramon Gutierrez, chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
“The pilot called the tower and requested an emergency re-landing, but did not make it,” he said.
Gutierrez confirmed that only three people were aboard the plane when the accident occurred.
