*UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL, DEFENSE MINISTRY'S STATEMENT
ALGIERS (AA) – At least 181 people were reportedly killed when an Algerian military aircraft crashed near the capital Algiers on Wednesday, according to local media.
In a statement, the Defense Ministry said the aircraft crashed in a field near the Boufarik military base in Bilda province, less than 20 miles from Algiers.
It said the military aircraft was heading for Bechar in southwestern Algeria when it went down.
Algerian army chief of staff, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, has ordered an investigation into the crash.
The ministry did not give any death toll from the crash, but the local Ennahar television channel said 181 people were killed.
According to local media, the Iliouchine-type plane had been transporting dozens of troops and equipment when it crashed.
TV footage showed a huge plume of black smoke billowing from the plane wreckage.
