国际英语新闻:2nd LD Writethru: Four unharmed as WFP chartered cargo plane crash lands in Somalia

MOGADISHU, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A plane chartered by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) crash landed in Garbaherey town in Gedo region of southern Somalia on Saturday, a UN official confirmed.

WFP spokesperson Amor Almagro said the cargo aircraft crashed with four crew members who are all safe and unharmed.

"I can confirm that a medium size aircraft which is a cargo charger for WFP crashed upon landing early Saturday at Garbaharey in southern Somalia," Almagro said.

"The aircraft has four crew members who are all safe and unharmed. However, the plane is reported to have sustained a significant damage," she added.

The UN official said that it was too early to say what might have caused the incident, noting however that the aircraft operator will be cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate.

"I think it is important to point out that the aircraft was carrying 5 metric ton of special food for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition to more than 2,300 young children as part of WFP light saving drought relief," she added.

Witnesses said the plane was in the process of landing when it developed mechanical problems and fire broke out on one side of the plane.

The plane reportedly fell on a house located near the airstrip but fortunately its inhabitants were away.

Local residents said one of the plane's wings was damaged after it fell on a house in the city before landing.

This is the second plane crashed here in Somalia in a week after a military aircraft chartered by U.S. firm, Bancroft crashed at Mogadishu airport. However, all the four occupants were not injured.