Deadly Medan crash exposes illegal cargo of fare-paying civilians

An Indonesian air force investigation of a deadly Hercules C-130 crash into a city centre on Sumatra was buffeted yesterday by spreading allegations the aircraft was illegally carrying paying ­passengers, as well as military ­personnel and services families.

At least two civilian families, who were among the more than 140 people who perished in Tuesday’s disaster on a busy commercial road south of Medan, bought tickets for the flight, relatives have told Indonesian news outlets.

Air force regulations forbid the carriage of civilians, except for­ ­services families, but it has been widely assumed for years the rules are flouted and fares are charged for unrelated civilians to “hitch a ride”.

Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu yesterday acknowledged the likelihood the 50-year-old transport aircraft was carrying civilians against military ­regulations.

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