An Algerian military plane carrying more than 247 passengers  and 10 crew has crashed soon after it took off, in a farm field near Boufarik airport in northern Algeria on Wednesday.  257 persons died according to reports. The plane came down near Boufarik airport, local channel Ennahar TV reported. Emergency services rushed at the spot after the crash.

Television footage showed black smoke billowing near a motorway and a crowd of security officials and others standing in a field next to the crash site. Mohammed Achour, chief spokesman for the civil protection agency confirmed that the plane was carrying more than 100 soldiers. He was quoted by AP as saying: “There are more than 100 deaths. We can’t say exactly how many at this point.”

The reason behind the crash is yet to be ascertained. As per a Defence Ministry statement, an investigation has already been ordered into the matter.

Later after the crash, 257 persons were confirmed dead.