UPDATE: Air Force plane crashes in Hokandara, four dead

An Antonov plane belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), flying from Katunayake to Ratmalana, has crashed in to a rubber Estate in the Horahena area in Hokandara East, SLAF spokesperson Wing Commander Gihan Seneviratne said.

Five persons were reportedly inside the aircraft. The rescue teams have recovered four bodies and another airman was rushed to the hospital with life threatening injuries, Ada Derana reporter said.

“I heard an explosion. There were bodies. One person was screaming for help. We immediately sent him to the hospital and attempted to extinguish the blaze,” an area resident said.

A thick fog and mist has engulfed the area, it was reported.

The police, Special Task Force, and fire brigade are at the location for rescue operations.

The plane crash had occurred at around 6.20 AM this morning while the roof of a nearby house was reportedly damaged from the incident. However, no residents in the area have been injured.

Senevirathna said that there had been five crew members in the plane, which was intended to land at Ratmalana Airport.

Low visibility caused by bad weather is suspected to have caused the plane crash.