Post by bahnoo on Sept 16, 2007 17:52:06 GMT 7
Phuket plane crash
Bangkok Post
A passenger jet of One-To-Go Airlines with 128 people aboard crashed while landing at Phuket Airport in southern Thailand late Sunday afternoon and rescue workers said the death toll could be high.
The plane of the budget airline skidded off the runway after landing and crashed into trees, bursting into fire, said Channel 7 TV.
Initial reports estimated that at least 60 passengers died in the fiery accident.
Chaisak Angsuwan, director general of the Air Transport Authority of Thailand said the aircraft broke in two as it attempted to land at Phuket airport in bad weather.
Chaisak told TITV that there was heavy rain when flight OG269 of parent Orient Thai Airways traveling from Bangkok to Phuket attempted to make a landing.
"The visibility was poor as the pilot attempted to land. He decided to make a go-around but the plane lost balance and crashed. It was torn into two parts," he said.
Airport officials and rescue workers are still working to help the victims from the plane which caught fire after it crashlanded and skidded off the runway.
Authorities said there were 123 passengers and five crew members on board when the plane crashed at about 4pm Sunday afternoon.
Weather in Phuket has been bad for several days, with thunderstorms and high wind gusts at times.
Bangkok Post
A passenger jet of One-To-Go Airlines with 128 people aboard crashed while landing at Phuket Airport in southern Thailand late Sunday afternoon and rescue workers said the death toll could be high.
The plane of the budget airline skidded off the runway after landing and crashed into trees, bursting into fire, said Channel 7 TV.
Initial reports estimated that at least 60 passengers died in the fiery accident.
Chaisak Angsuwan, director general of the Air Transport Authority of Thailand said the aircraft broke in two as it attempted to land at Phuket airport in bad weather.
Chaisak told TITV that there was heavy rain when flight OG269 of parent Orient Thai Airways traveling from Bangkok to Phuket attempted to make a landing.
"The visibility was poor as the pilot attempted to land. He decided to make a go-around but the plane lost balance and crashed. It was torn into two parts," he said.
Airport officials and rescue workers are still working to help the victims from the plane which caught fire after it crashlanded and skidded off the runway.
Authorities said there were 123 passengers and five crew members on board when the plane crashed at about 4pm Sunday afternoon.
Weather in Phuket has been bad for several days, with thunderstorms and high wind gusts at times.