Chile military plane disappears with 38 on board

iStock [C-130 Hercules plane- for illustration]

A Chilean Air Force plane carrying 38 people has disappeared en route to Antarctica.

The C-130 Hercules transport aircraft went missing shortly after taking off from the southern city of Punta Arenas.

Officials have declared a state of alert and dispatched a search and rescue team.

The plane was travelling to provide logistical support for the maintenance of Chilean facilities at the Antarctic base.

Among those missing are 17 crew members and 21 passengers.

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