JAKARTA, Sept. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 60 people were killed as an Indonesian plane carrying 190 people crashed in a populated area in the Sumatra city of Medan Monday.

    The plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in the city of Medan one minute after takeoff and burst into flames, the local television station reported.

    The Boeing 737 was operated by Mandala, a low-cost carrier, and was heading to Jakarta when it crashed into a crowded housing complex, Rizal.

    Transport Minister Hatta Radjasa was quoted as saying that the plane was carrying at least 109 people. It was too early to say whether anyone survived or how many , if any, perished on the ground, the minister added.

    The airport in Medan, the largest city on Sumatra island, is close to the center of town and is surrounded by densely populated residential areas.

    Mandala, which is partially owned by the military, has recently slashed the number of flights it operates to stay in business amid aggressive competition by newer airlines. Enditem