12 killed in plane crash in PNG

12 people have been killed in a plane crash in Western Province.

The plane of the small Sunbird Aviation fleet had been travelling to Kiunga Oksapmin in neighbouring West Sepik province.

All 11 passengers and Pilot are deceased after their plane crashed while on approach to Kiunga Airport at around 4PM today (Wednesday 13th April 2016).

The Brittan Norman Islander was travelling from Oksapmin to Kiunga in the Western Province.

A search and rescue mission led by police was able to retrieve the remains of the deceased and transport them to Kiunga Hospital.

Oksapmin is located in the Star Mountains and is only accessible by air (or foot).

Kiunga is the main port of call for people travelling in and out of Telifomin.