Chinese President Hu Jintao on Sunday expressed deep condolences following the deaths of 40 people in a military plane crash on Saturday afternoon. 

The transport aircraft crashed in east China's Anhui Province, killing all those on board, Air Force sources said on Sunday.

"The motherland and people will never forget the heroic names and merits of the victims," Hu, also chairman of the Central Military Commission which is the country's top military command, said in his message of condolence.

The victims of the crash had "firmly remembered the sacred mission endowed on them by the Party and the people" and had "defied all hardships to faithfully perform their duties," said Hu.

"They have made important contributions to national defense and the modernization of the army," he added. Hu extended condolences to the families of those who died. 

Air Force sources said that immediately after learning of the crash, Hu had ordered an investigative team be sent to the scene to probe the cause of the accident and handle follow-up issues.

Hu also demanded that the military learn lessons from the crash "in a serious and earnest manner."

A special workgroup headed by General Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, has flown to the crash scene to manage and direct the investigation.

According to Air Force sources the aircraft was on a mission when it crashed. No details were available about the mission, the exact location of the crash or the identities of the victims.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2006)