LBCI

Lao defense chief, 4 others killed in plane crash

World News

17-05-2014 | 02:58

Share

Share

Lao defense chief, 4 others killed in plane crash

2^min

A Lao air force plane carrying senior government officials crashed Saturday, killing at least five people on board, including the country's defense minister, Thai officials said.

The Russian-made plane, believed to have had about 20 people on board, left from the capital, Vientiane, early Saturday morning headed for an official ceremony in the northeastern province of Xiangkhoung, about 470 kilometers (290 miles) away, said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee.

It crashed in a forested area of Xiangkhoung province, near one of Laos' major archaeological sites, the Plain of Jars.

Among those confirmed killed in the crash were Defense Minister Douangchay Phichit and his wife, said Nipat Thonglek, the Thai defense ministry's permanent secretary.

Douangchay was also one of the country's deputy prime ministers and a high-ranking member of Laos' Politburo, the main decision-making body for the nation's ruling Communist Party.

Also killed were the governor of the capital of Vientiane, Sukhan Mahalad, and two other senior officials, Nipat said. He said he was given the information by authorities in neighboring Laos who did not immediately release details of the other passengers.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

Lao National Television showed images of the aircraft in a wooded area with smoke rising from its badly charred remains.

Thailand's Thai Rath newspaper identified the plane as a Russian-made Antonov AN-74.

In October, a Lao Airlines ATR-72 turboprop crashed during a heavy storm as it approached Pakse Airport in southern Laos, killing all 49 people on board.

AP

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

Axios correspondent on Trump–Aoun call: Israeli defense official says ceasefire could be announced Thursday night

2026-04-16

Axios correspondent on Trump–Aoun call: Israeli defense official says ceasefire could be announced Thursday night

President Aoun meets negotiating delegation ahead of Washington talks on ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal

2026-06-18

President Aoun meets negotiating delegation ahead of Washington talks on ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal

Drone strikes Kuwait airport, causing light injuries: civil aviation

Middle East News

2026-02-28

Drone strikes Kuwait airport, causing light injuries: civil aviation

Israel’s army says intercepts 'hostile aircraft' from Lebanon inside Israeli territory

Middle East News

2026-06-03

Israel’s army says intercepts 'hostile aircraft' from Lebanon inside Israeli territory

Videos

Lebanon-Israel talks: delegations arrive at US Embassy in Rome — Video

2026-08-06

Lebanon-Israel talks: delegations arrive at US Embassy in Rome — Video

Residents begin returning to Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh, southern Lebanon: Video

2026-07-24

Residents begin returning to Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh, southern Lebanon: Video

Slotkin to LBCI: Lebanese army needs resources to confront Hezbollah, $36 million request submitted for special forces

2026-07-20

Slotkin to LBCI: Lebanese army needs resources to confront Hezbollah, $36 million request submitted for special forces

Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington: trilateral framework agreement first step toward restoring sovereignty

2026-06-26

Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington: trilateral framework agreement first step toward restoring sovereignty

Rubio on Lebanon-Israel framework agreement: 'beginning of the beginning,' more work needed

2026-06-26

Rubio on Lebanon-Israel framework agreement: 'beginning of the beginning,' more work needed

Lebanon, Israel sign trilateral framework agreement after Washington talks attended by Rubio: Video

2026-06-26

Lebanon, Israel sign trilateral framework agreement after Washington talks attended by Rubio: Video

Israeli strikes renew on Choukine, Maifadoun, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon: Video

2026-06-20

Israeli strikes renew on Choukine, Maifadoun, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon: Video

Massive Israeli strikes hit South Lebanon under ceasefire conditions

2026-06-19

Massive Israeli strikes hit South Lebanon under ceasefire conditions

Trump criticizes Israel’s Lebanon campaign, says war has gone on ‘too long’ and floats Syria role in conflict

2026-06-16

Trump criticizes Israel’s Lebanon campaign, says war has gone on ‘too long’ and floats Syria role in conflict

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

Deadly dawn in south Lebanon: 11 killed in Israeli strikes on Ansar and Deir el-Zahrani

1

Deadly dawn in south Lebanon: 11 killed in Israeli strikes on Ansar and Deir el-Zahrani

Israel wants 'more serious' talks with Lebanon: AFP

2

Israel wants 'more serious' talks with Lebanon: AFP

Hezbollah blames Netanyahu for escalation after strikes kill 11 in south Lebanon

3

Hezbollah blames Netanyahu for escalation after strikes kill 11 in south Lebanon

Israel says Lebanon strike targeted Hezbollah commander

4

Israel says Lebanon strike targeted Hezbollah commander

Major wildfire breaks out in Aitou forest in northern Lebanon: Video

5

Major wildfire breaks out in Aitou forest in northern Lebanon: Video

Israel says Lebanon strikes a response to Hezbollah ceasefire violation

6

Israel says Lebanon strikes a response to Hezbollah ceasefire violation

Health Ministry: 11 killed, 19 wounded in Israeli strikes on Deir el-Zahrani and Ansar

7

Health Ministry: 11 killed, 19 wounded in Israeli strikes on Deir el-Zahrani and Ansar

Netanyahu’s office says Hezbollah attack wounded three Israeli soldiers

8

Netanyahu’s office says Hezbollah attack wounded three Israeli soldiers

Download now the LBCI mobile app

To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world

Google Play

App Store

Download now the LBCI mobile app

We use
cookies

We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.

Accept

Learn More