A Boeing 747 freighter belonging to Turkey-based ACT Airlines has crashed in Kyrgyzstan, killing at least 37 people, most of them on the ground, the BBC has reported, citing local officials.
Turkish freighter operator myCargo, which is affiliated to ACT Airlines, has the following statement: "Respectfully announced to the public, ACT Airlines is deeply saddened to report that an accident happened during the flight from Hong Kong to Bishkek by Boeing 747-400 TC-MCL registered cargo aircraft at 01:20.
"The cause of the accident is unknown at this time and further details will be provided as they become available."
Flight Global said that the built 2003-built freighter was "operated by myCARGO Airlines (For THY Turkish)".
Flight Global continued: "Operating as TK6491 from Hong Kong to Istanbul, the aircraft was making a scheduled re-fuelling stop at Bishkek when it crashed on approach. 4 crew on board and at least 28 people on the ground have been killed."
A Turkish Airlines statement said: "A cargo flight with TC-MCL registration number, operated by ACT Airlines, departed from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Bishkek Manas International Airport (FRU) had an accident near Bishkek at around 01:40 UTC.
"Please kindly be informed that, neither the aircraft nor the crew are members of Turkish Airlines.”
According to the BBC, the aircraft, flying from Hong Kong, crashed as it was landing amid fog at Manas airport, about 25km (15 miles) north of the capital, Bishkek.
At least 15 buildings were destroyed in a village outside the airport, with a number of children among the dead.
The flight was to have stopped at Manas en route to Istanbul in Turkey.
In details about its ownership structure, the MyCargo website states: "In 2011, China’s HNA Group have bought 49% of the shares of ACT Airlines. 50.9% of the shares remain with Daglar Cizmeci and 0.9% with other Turkish holders. ACT Airlines rebranded as myCargo after this alliance took place.
