13 dead after plane plunges into mountains.

Byline: AFP 

PORT MORESBY: All 13 people on board a plane carrying foreign tourists in Papua New Guinea were confirmed dead on Wednesday after it crashed in rugged mountains.

Nine Australians and one Japanese travelling to the popular Kokoda hiking trail were among the dead following Tuesday s crash during the short flight from Port Moresby, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said.

"There were no survivors from the crash," Rudd told parliament in Canberra. "This is distressing news for the families of those concerned."

"There is a horrible tragedy involved when families send off their loved ones for what they expect to be the experience of a lifetime, only for it to turn into a tragedy such as this," he added.

Two of the dead were a father and daughter from the same family, Rudd said. Three Papua New Guineans, including two crew, were also on board.

Australia had sent a navy ship, three helicopters and two planes to the South Pacific nation to help search for the 20-seat aircraft after it disappeared on Tuesday.

The wreckage was spotted early on Wednesday more than 5,000 feet (1,500 metres) above sea-level, but it took several hours for rescuers to reach the remote site on foot over harsh terrain after being helicoptered in to the area.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare expressed "great sadness" over the crash and announced an investigation.

"I have requested the ministers of the various responsible authorities to commence investigations into the accident and to furnish a report to cabinet," he said.

"Kokoda holds great historic and sentimental value to the people of Australia and it is with great sadness that we experience such tragedy that took place yesterday."

The challenging and isolated Kokoda Track is popular among Australians, as it traces the site of a bloody World War II campaign fought by Australian and Japanese troops.

Australian media said one of the dead, 59-year-old June Canavan, was doing the 100-kilometre (60-mile) trek to raise money for an African school while another, Matthew Leonard, 28, was the son of a senior policeman.

Tour operator No Roads Expeditions, which organised the Australians trip, expressed sympathy for the victims families. "We are doing everything we can to support the families of those Australians who were on board the flight, and the family of our expedition guide," said managing director Peter Miller.

Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC 2009

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