9 Apr 2012

Papua journalist killed in attack on aircraft

9:50 am on 9 April 2012

Indonesian police and military are searching an area near Mulia airport in Papua after an incoming commercial flight was hit with bullets, killing one passenger.

According to the Jakarta Globe, the victim was a journalist working for Papua Pos, Leiron Kogoya, who was shot in the neck.

A provincial police spokesman has told the AFP news agency the Twin Otter plane, operated by domestic carrier Trigana Air, had reached the end of the airstrip and was taxiing when a group of armed men shot at the aircraft from the nearby hills.

He says four other passengers were injured by the gunfire.

The spokesman says the pilots lost control after getting hurt, and the aircraft ran into an airport building.