Nine Australians were on board a passenger jet which burst into flames on landing on the Indonesian island of Java, killing 49 people. Indonesian authorities said 76 people had escaped the crash - involving a Garuda Indonesia 737 - with minor injuries. "Our thoughts are with our fellow countrymen and their families," he added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) said the Australians include five journalists, Federal Police and RAAF and consular staff, in the country to cover Foreign Minister Alexander Downer's visit. The Sydney Morning Herald's political correspondent Cynthia Banham was also on the plane. She has been taken to hospital suffering serious burns.
Wayan Sukardo, a freelance cameraman working for the Seven Network was on board and has survived the crash with minor injuries. DFAT has also confirmed it had departmental staff on the flight. It is making arrangements for emergency evacuations of Australians from the area.
Mr Downer and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock were due to make their way to Yogyakarta but have been stranded in Jakarta. Yogyakarta Airport official, Captain Yos Bintoro, told local radio he saw many dead bodies and dozens badly burnt near the exit. There have also been conflicting reports that passengers continue to be trapped on board the 737 while others have managed to escape the burning fuselage.
The plane came to a standstill in a rice field after appearing to overshoot the runway. Some witnesses have told local media the plane was shaking during the approach and as it came in to land.
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