Indonesia jet crash bodies sent for identification

CIJERUK: Body bags containing the victims of a Russian jet crash began arriving in the Indonesian capital Saturday as Russian investigators flew in to join the probe into how the aircraft smashed into the side of a volcano.

Rescuers said the bodies of those who perished when Sukhoi's new Superjet 100 hit Mount Salak in western Java on Wednesday, killing all on board, were badly dismembered.

Officials said the remains of the victims found so far had been placed in 16 body bags. By noon five had arrived in Jakarta by helicopter and were taken to a police hospital for identification.

"This morning we have 16 body bags. On Friday, there were 12, and four more were filled today (Saturday). No body was found in its whole form," West Java provincial military chief Sonny Widjaja said.

Each bag could contain the remains of more than one victim, he said. Officials said Friday that 12 bodies had been found.

As the bodies arrived at Jakarta's Halim Perdanakusuma military airport, two Russian jets landed carrying medics, helicopters and experts who will work with Indonesian authorities in the investigation.

Sukhoi's representative company in Indonesia, Trimarga Rekatama -- which organised the promotional flight to tout the new jet -- said scores of Russian experts would join the investigation.

"There will be 73 Russian experts, some are here already. Thirty-seven of them are mechanics," the company's consultant Sunaryo told.

The company has apologised for confusion surrounding its manifest, claiming at first 50 passengers were on board but revising the number down to 45. Local rescue officials said the plane was carrying 46.

The company said the final passenger list was with a staff member on the plane, causing confusion as to how many and who exactly was on board. (AFP)