More than 40 feared dead as Russian-made plane crashes half a mile from runway
A RUSSIAN-MADE cargo plane full of passengers has crashed with reports of up to 40 bodies seen at the site.
The Antonov jet reportedly had 20 crew and passengers onboard when it ran into trouble while taking off in South Sudan.
Two of those on the plane, including a child, were said to have survived.
The country's presidential spokesman said more may have been killed on the ground.
A police officer, who did not give his name, said at least 41 people died.
The plane was said to have crashed 800 metres from Juba International Airport's runway.
Wreckage was strewn on the east side of the River Nile.
We don't know the number of people that were killed on the ground
The plane crashed near where some fishermen were working.
The government spokesman said: "We don't know the number of people that were killed on the ground."
Planes could still be seen taking off and arriving at the airport in Juba this morning as many people gathered near the crash site.
A crew member is also said to be among the survivors.
Airplane just crashed near Juba Int'l Airport shortly after taking off. #EyeRadio’s D Santo: over 40 passengers died pic.twitter.com/SuFExWfX0Z
— Eye Radio Juba (@EyeRadioJuba) November 4, 2015
Many parts of South Sudan, which became an independent nation in 2011, have been hit by violence since December 2013.
Government forces under President Salva Kiir have battled rebels led by his former deputy, Riek Machar. Fighting persists despite a peace agreement signed in August.