Qld: Bligh says Kokoda crash will touch many hearts

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2009
Qld: Bligh says Kokoda crash will touch many hearts

BRISBANE, Aug 12 AAP - Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says anxiety over the fate of
nine Australians missing after a plane crash in Papua New Guinea will be specially poignant
for their fellow Australians.

Two Queenslanders, Dr June Canavan and Keith Gracie, both from the Sunshine Coast,
were among the passengers aboard the aircraft headed for the Kokoda Track.

The plane's wreckage was found on Wednesday morning, and rescuers are trying to reach
the site in rugged terrain. It is not known if anyone on board has survived.

Ms Bligh told ABC Radio the offices of the prime minister and foreign affairs minister
were in touch with her about the crash.

"Because it is Kokoda, it does hold a special place in the hearts of Australians, and
we all know so many people who have made the pilgrimage up there that I think many people
feel very connected to this story," she said.

"There's a very anxious wait ahead. I hope that there is some news one way or the other
to put people out of that anxiety.

"This is a difficult time."

AAP gd/jl/de

KEYWORD: PNG PLANE BLIGH

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