Lao defence chief, 4 others killed in plane crash

BANGKOK, May 17 (AP): A Lao air force plane carrying senior government officials crashed Saturday, killing at least five people on board, including the country's defense minister, Thai officials said.

The Russian-made plane, believed to have had about 20 people on board, left from the capital, Vientiane, early Saturday morning headed for an official ceremony in the northeastern province of Xiangkhoung, about 470 kilometers (290 miles) away, said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee.

It crashed in a forested area of Xiangkhoung province, near one of Laos' major archaeological sites, the Plain of Jars.

Among those confirmed killed in the crash were Defense Minister Douangchay Phichit and his wife, said Nipat Thonglek, the Thai defense ministry's permanent secretary.