( dpa ) - Twelve people were killed in Angola when a twin-engine plane crashed into a mountain in central Huambo province, Angola Press agency reported Sunday.
The B-200 plane, which was operated by Gira Globo tour operator, exploded in mid-air after hitting the mountain Saturday morning killing all passengers on board, Angola Press said quoting figures provided by the National Institute for Civil Aviation.
The plan was en route to the provincial capital Huambo from the Angolan capital Luanda when the accident took place at around 8 am (0700 GMT).
Two Portuguese citizens were among the dead, according to the report.
The remains of the 12 victims had been recovered and taken to the city of Huambo by Sunday.
Transport Minister Andre Luis Brandao dispatched his deputy Helder Presa to the accident site Sunday at the head of a commission of investigation into the cause of the accident.
An Angolan Armed Forces helicopter carrying a rescue team also crashed when trying to reach the accident spot, slightly injuring two crew members, Angola Press reported.
The helicopter's other five occupants emerged unharmed from the accident. dpa cb gma