[Comprehensive] Indonesian Boeing 737 with 62 Onboard Crashes into Sea

B737-500 passenger aircraft from Jakarta, Indonesia to Pontianak, Kalimantan (Borneo Island).
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] A Boeing 737 passenger plane departing from Jakarta, Indonesia, en route to Borneo Island, was confirmed to have crashed into the sea after losing contact on the afternoon of the 9th.

According to FlightRadar24, Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 lost its signal at an altitude of over 10,000 feet about 4 minutes after taking off from Jakarta that day. Aviation authorities announced, "Contact with Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 was lost around 2:40 PM, and search operations are currently underway." The flight was a 1 hour and 30 minute journey from Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport to Pontianak in western Kalimantan Island.

Local media reported that a total of 62 people, including 6 crew members, were on board the flight. The aircraft model was reported to be a Boeing 737-500, over 27 years old. So far, the passenger list released does not include any names that appear to be Korean.

Metal fragments believed to be parts of the aircraft have been found floating near Laki Island in the "Thousand Islands" area off the northern coast of Jakarta, prompting search teams to be dispatched. Local media reported fishermen's testimonies of hearing an explosion sound from the sea. Debris including internal cables from the plane, some victims' bodies, and items such as jeans have also been discovered.

Sriwijaya Air has not yet issued a separate statement. It is reported that detailed information is currently being gathered.

This is the first passenger plane accident in Indonesia in 2 years and 3 months since the crash of the Lion Air Boeing 737 Max passenger plane in October 2018. At that time, the plane crashed into the sea 12 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 people on board.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.