The Indonesian transport ministry said flight JT610 was carrying 188 people.

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An airplane of Lion Air. Photo: tripadvisor.com

Search and rescue efforts have begun.

Lion Air Group officials have yet to comment on the incident, saying they are trying to collect all information and data.

The plane lost contact with air traffic control 13 minutes after takeoff. The jet, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was en route from Jakarta to Pangkakpinang in Bangka Belitung province off Sumatra island.

Source: VNA