Investigators in Laos say they have retrieved the midsection of a Lao Airlines passenger plane that crashed into the Mekong River a week ago, killing all 49 people on board, including six Australians.
The turboprop plane crashed last Wednesday during a heavy storm as it approached Pakse Airport in southern Laos.
Lao aviation official Yakua Lopangkao said on Tuesday that searchers used a crane to lift the middle of the fuselage from the river but believe the flight recorder is still underwater.
He said the body of another victim was also recovered on Tuesday.
Officials say 44 bodies have been found.
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Strong currents and deep, muddy water have hampered the search.
