Rescue teams in the Philippines are searching for survivors following a plane crash on the active Mayon volcano. The aircraft, a Cessna 340, went missing shortly after departing from a local airport a few kilometers away from the volcano on Saturday. The four-person crew consisted of two Filipino crew members and two Australian consultants from a geothermal firm, all of whom are missing. Two soldiers who were part of the search and rescue mission tragically died in the process.
The mission is considered high-risk, as the volcano last erupted in 2018 and is known to be one of the most active in the country. Rescue workers, including soldiers and police, have been deployed to the area to search for the missing crew. The Australian embassy in Manila is also assisting in the search efforts.
The crash has caused concern among the families of the missing crew, as the volcano’s rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions have made search and rescue efforts more challenging. The authorities have warned that it could take some time to locate the crash site due to the difficult conditions in the area.
The geothermal firm Energy Development Corp., a Manila-based company, has released a statement expressing its concern for the missing crew members and their families and is cooperating with authorities to assist in the search efforts.
This incident has once again highlighted the risks involved in air travel, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters. It is a reminder of the importance of safety procedures and protocols in aviation, as well as the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in search and rescue missions.