Rescue efforts began after an Indonesian Air Force Hercules C-130 plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in the city of Medan on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

A local radio station – El Shinta – reported that the plane hit houses.  Indonesian television showed images from the city of a downed aircraft in flames, as well as profound damage to several homes.

Air force spokesman Dwi Badarmanto said the crash occurred a few minutes before midday after the plane took off from a Medan airport.  Witnesses said it seemed to be flying too low before it nosedived.