Wreckage of Indonesian Sriwijaya Air Flight Discovered After Crash Near Jakarta
Jakarta, Indonesia — The National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (BASARNAS) has located the wreckage of Sriwijaya Air Flight SJ182, a Boeing 737 aircraft that crashed into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta on Saturday, January 9. Authorities have also recovered the bodies of several victims as search efforts continue.
The domestic flight, carrying 62 people on board, including 50 passengers and 12 crew members, lost contact with air traffic control minutes after departing from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The plane was en route to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province.
Rapid Response from Authorities
BASARNAS, along with the Indonesian Navy, deployed ships, helicopters, and divers to the suspected crash site after receiving reports of the missing aircraft. Debris believed to be from the plane was found near the Thousand Islands, a chain of islands north of Jakarta’s coast.
“We have sent our team and ships to the area where the plane was last detected,” said the BASARNAS Chief. “Rescue operations are ongoing, and we are committed to finding any survivors.”
Investigation Underway
Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The search teams are focusing on locating the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are crucial for determining what occurred during the flight’s final moments.
Sriwijaya Air, a low-cost Indonesian airline established in 2003, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. “We are in close contact with the authorities and will provide all necessary support during this difficult time,” the airline said in a statement.
A History of Air Safety Challenges
Indonesia has experienced several aviation incidents in recent years, prompting concerns over air safety standards in the country. The most recent major incident before this was the Lion Air Flight 610 crash in 2018.
International aviation experts are monitoring the situation and offering assistance. Families of passengers have gathered at airports awaiting news, while officials emphasize their commitment to uncovering the truth behind the tragedy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
