Palace wants probe of plane crash at NAIA that killed 8

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has called for an investigation of the explosion of an aircraft on a runway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as it expressed grief over the death of eight people on board.

“There must be a thorough investigation of the incident and the concerned government agencies must undertake measures to secure the safety of private aircraft as well as their passengers and crew,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Monday in a statement.

A Lionair aircraft heading to Haneda, Japan caught fire and crashed at NAIA on Sunday night. The flight was on a medical mission.

“We are so sad to learn that a plane crashed last night taking the lives of the eight persons on board,” Panelo said.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the grieving families of those who perished in the crash,” he added.

The eight passengers aboard the plane include a flight medic, nurse, doctor, three flight crew members, a patient and a companion.