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Debris Found From Missing Myanmar Military Plane

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Debris has been found in the Andaman Sea from Myanmar military plane carrying more than 100 people that went missing Wednesday, officials said.

“We found debris around Horseshoe Bay," Tanintharyi Division Border Affairs and Security Minister Colonel Kyaw Zeya told VOA Burmese, saying their team went there as soon as locals tipped them on the location.

"Our rescue team includes police officers, a fire brigade team, and local samaritans. First aid and paramedics teams also have set up a makeshift hospital at the nearest beach to take care of survivors," he added.

The plane, which was carrying mostly family members of military personnel, was traveling to Yangon from the city of Myeik, also known as Mergui, in southeastern Myanmar on the Andaman coast. Most of the journey to Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, would have been over the Andaman Sea.

There has been conflicting information on the number of people on board, with estimates ranging from 90 to 106 passengers, and 14 crew members.

The Chinese-made Y-8-200F plane was bought in March of last year and had logged 809 flying hours, the army said.

VOA Burmese contributed to this report.

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