CANBERRA, May 7 (Xinhuanet) -- A plane carrying 15 people crashed in northeast Australia on Saturday, with all feared dead.

    Searching teams have found wreckage of the plane in dense forests, nine km northwest of Iron Range airport on the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland state.

    The twin propeller Metroliner has been found burnt out and officials have said probably all on board were killed.

    It has been confirmed that 13 passengers and two crew members were on the plane when it was traveling from Bamaga, on the tip ofthe peninsula, to Lockhart River, some 280 kilometers southward.

    The reason of the crash is not immediately known but officials have pointed out to the poor weather conditions in the area. Investigators said a statement will not be made until Sunday morning.

    Police have set up a national hotline for people inquiring about the occupants onboard.

    Australian Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson said he is deeply concerned about the crash, describing it as "a terrible tragedy."

    "The full force of federal aviation authorities is assisting Queensland authorities at present," he said. Enditem