'Drive-by memorial' for medical staff killed in plane explosion in the Philippines
'Drive-by memorial' for medical staff killed in plane explosion in the Philippines

This is the heartwarming moment firefighters and hospital staff paid tribute to medical staff who were killed in a plane crash in the Philippines.

Dr. Nicandro Bautista and nurse Conrado Tomeldan died when the Lionair jet exploded into flames at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila on March 29.

The jet was on a medical evacuation mission to Japan when it suffered a catastrophic fault killing all eight onboard.

Firefighters, hospital staff and paramedics later paid tribute to their two colleagues and the six other non-medial staff who died in the incident.

Footage shows fire crews spraying hoses into the air during a drive by memorial on the EDSA road in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, on April 2.

Onlooker Daves Enciso said: "Let us keep his wonderful memory as a great treasure in our hearts and honour his memory throughout our lives.

''We should remember everything they taught us and strive to be better people according to their desire.

We ask the Lord to give them eternal rest.

Fly high Conrado Tomeldan and Dr Nicko Bautista.'' Those killed in the crash were the pilot, Capt.

Mario Medina Jr., co-pilots Ren Edward Ungson and Melvin de Castro, Dr. Cenover Nicandro Bautista II, pilot trainee Edmark Jael, nurse Conrado Tomeldan Jr., Canadian patient John Richard Hurst and his assistant Marilyn Vergara de Jesus, who holds a U.S. passport.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze after one hour.

Investigators are now working to find the cause of the crash.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said in a statement that the aircraft "reportedly encountered a technical problem'' before takeoff.