16 dead as Fokker crashes into Manila Bay

Sixteen people, including three children, were killed when a Fokker-27 aircraft crashed into Manila Bay less than five minutes after take off from Pasay City's domestic airport early yesterday.

Four others were declared missing and 14 passengers survived.

The aircraft was bound for northern Luzon with 29 passengers and five crew.

Witnesses said smoke trailed from the aircraft's left engine before it slammed into the sea, broke in two and sank in the 45-feet deep muddy bay. Aviation officials said initial investigations showed engine trouble caused the tragedy.

President Gloria Arroyo visited survivors in hospitals in Manila. She said she was saddened by the tragedy and ordered Transporta-tion and Communication Secre-tary Leandro Mendoza to speed up the investigation.

All Fokker planes owned by the airline company, Laoag Air, were grounded for investigation.