The number of casualties may be higher than reported

An Algerian military transport plane, on Tuesday, crashed in the mountainous area of Oum al-Bouaghi province, killing more than 103 people, Algerian media say.

The plane was en route to Constantine from Ouargla in bad weather, the reports add.

The air traffic control of Algeria’s Constantine Airport lost contact with the C-130 Hercules aircraft, adding that the 103 passengers on board were killed in the crash.

The Associated Press quoted Col. Lahmadi Bouguern, spokesman for the eastern military region, as saying that the crash was caused by bad weather.

Reports said ambulances rushed to the scene to provide first aid to survivors but it was not clear whether there were any survivors.

Military and civil rescue services were at the scene to help out.

(Xinhua/NAN)