TROOPS jumped from a transport plane on Sunday before it crashed, leaving 45 people dead in the Philippines.

Several soldiers leapt clear before the aircraft hit the ground, broke up and exploded into flames.

It was not clear how many, if any, survived, officials said.

The plane, which had 96 soldiers on board, came down after failing to regain power when it overshot a runway without touching the ground.

Forty-two died along with three on the ground at Jolo airport in the Philippines — 600 miles south of capital Manila.

Some 53 were hurt, including four civilians. Five military personnel were missing last night.

The Philippines Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules had been carrying privates back to their battalions to carry on a fight against Islamist militants.

The plane was 33 years old and one of two aircraft provided this year by the US government for heavy airlift missions.

Military chief Cirilito Sobejana said it had “missed the runway trying to regain power”.

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Philippines plane crash kills at least 45 as military flight with 92 on board bursts into flames on landing
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/15486324/philippines-plane-crash-military-flightlanding/

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