Plane crash: no hypothesis can be excluded even terror attack, says minister

Algerian transport minister Amar Ghoul said no hypothesis can be excluded about the reasons behind Air Algerie plane crash in Mali either related to a terror action or bad weather.

“The investigation is still going on. It needs time but we should not ban any hypothesis until the investigation is achieved. We need to deal with information carefully and not believe rumors until investigators finish their job,” Ghoul told reporters at the Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport.

“We can not talk about the real reason of the crash before the investigation is finished. Technical data indicate bad weather. Mali has the priority to investigate as the accident took place there. Algeria, France or any other country will help in accordance to the law,” he added.

According to Ghoul, the investigation will not be easy as the crash place is geographically difficult. “Some of the plane remainders were found 100 meters far from the accident place while others were 300 meters far away.”

“It is difficult to reach this place. Huge means are needed. A long time will be needed to transport bodies. The Algerian State mobilized all the means upon request from the President of the Republic. It will coordinate with Mali and all the countries which lost victims in the accident,” he said.