ALGIERS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- An Algerian military airplane skidded off runway on Sunday in Biskra province, 450 km south of Algiers, injuring at least eight people, Defense Ministry confirmed in a statement.
"While landing, the Hercules C-130 passenger-free military aircraft deviated from Biskra Air Base runway, causing minor injuries to crew members who were immediately provided first aids, in addition to material damage," said the statement.
The source further specified that the Army Chief of Staff ordered an investigation of the accident.
It's the second plane accident within two months. The North African nation witnessed on April 11 the worst air disaster in its history, as Defense Ministry confirmed that the crash of Ilyushin I-76 plane killed all the passengers, including 247 troops and some of their family members as well as 10 crew members.
Several other crashes were reported in Algeria.
In June 2017, a military helicopter crashed in the province of Naama, 700 km southwest of Algiers, leaving one army troop dead.
In May 2017, 3 militaries were killed in the northern province of Tipaza when their helicopter crashed.
In March 2016, 12 troops were killed and two others were injured when their helicopter crashed in southern Reggane.
In April 2015, a helicopter crashed in the southernmost province of Illizi, killing two soldiers.
In November 2014, an air force MIG-25 Foxbat fighter crashed, but the pilot managed to eject himself out of the plane before crashing.
In February 2014, 77 troops were killed when a C-130 Hercules aircraft belonging to the Algerian Air Force crashed in Oum El Bouaghi province, 400 km eastern of Algiers.
