The World - News from April 6, 1987
Lightning struck a DC-9 jetliner that plunged to earth in Sumatra on Saturday, killing 28 people, Garuda Indonesia airlines said. It said the aircraft was hit as it was landing at Medan during a tropical storm. Airlines chief Reyn Lumenta said the pilot’s last words were, “I have been hit by lightning and losing altitude!” No Americans were reported among the 37 passengers. Hospital officials said several people were in critical condition with severe burns. Weeping relatives attended services for the dead at the airport near the crash site.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
