Footage of wreckage of Indonesian aircraft after crash near Mount Bulusaraung

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Crash-site footage shows scattered wreckage from an ATR 42-500 aircraft after it went down near Mount Bulusaraung, in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, Jan. 17, as search and rescue teams battle difficult terrain and weather. The aircraft, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was flying toward Makassar when it crashed. Officials said there were 10 people on board — seven crew members and three passengers — who had departed from Yogyakarta. Authorities said the three passengers were officials from Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, traveling on an aerial surveillance mission related to regional maritime resources. Rescuers have so far recovered one body near a cliff estimated to be about 200 meters deep. Search operations were suspended overnight due to thick fog and strong winds, and are expected to resume on Saturday, officials said. Search teams reported finding scattered debris, including parts of the fuselage, tail section, windows, and other wreckage across the mountainside. There has been no confirmation yet on the recovery of the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder (CVR) or flight data recorder (FDR). Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency said joint SAR teams are facing extreme challenges, as the wreckage lies in a steep, densely forested ravine at an altitude of approximately 1,353 meters, often shrouded in fog. The Indonesian Air Force has deployed Kopasgat special forces, Caracal helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft to assist with search, recovery, and evacuation efforts. Authorities said an investigation into the cause of the crash will begin once recovery operations allow.