Five killed in Laos plane crash

Vientiane, May 17 (IANS) At least five people have been confirmed killed and five injured Saturday after an aircraft carrying representatives of the Laos government crashed, an official said.

The air crash happened around 6.30 a.m. about 1.5 km from Xieng Khouang province's airport, Xinhua reported.

High-ranking government officials of Laos, including the deputy prime minister-cum-defence minister, the minister of public security and the mayor of Vientiane are believed to be on board the aircraft.

The Laos defence ministry said the aircraft crashed while carrying the representatives of the government to attend an event to commemorate the creation of the Lao Army's 2nd Division.