Laos plane crash
© RIA Novosti
Military plane with 18 people aboard including the defence minister and other government officials crashed today in northeastern Laos, a Thai diplomat said. According to the diplomat in Vientiane, the aircraft left the capital early Saturday heading to Xiangkhouang Province for an official ceremony but crashed before landing.

The 18 people include Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Douangchay Phichit, his wife and Vientiane governor Sukan Mahalad, according to the diplomat.

The Lao government has not confirmed casualties, but local media reported some people survived the crash, the diplomat said.