Plane crashes in Java

The Hercules C-130, a large military plane similar to this one shown, was reported to have slammed into several houses before skidding to a stop in a rice field. -- PHOTO: AP

JAKARTA (Indonesia) - AT LEAST two people are dead following the crash of a military plane into several houses on the Indonesian island of Java.

An air force spokesman said 15 other people were rushed to a nearby hospital with injuries, although the total number of casualties was unclear.

Spokesman Bambang Sulistyo said it was not immediately clear what caused the C-130 Hercules with a crew of at least 13 to crash early Wednesday.

The plane slammed into four houses in Gaplak village before skidding into a rice field.

The Hercules transport plane had been flying from Jakarta to the eastern part of Java island. -- AP