Madrid plane crash: At least 153 feared dead
Wednesday, 20 Aug 2008 23:55
Smoke rises from the crash site at Barajas airport (Sky News)
At least 153 people are now feared dead after a plane slid off the runway and caught fire earlier today at a Barajas airport just outside Madrid.
Spainish authorities have confirmed the death-toll from Spanair flight JK 5002. Only 19 people survived the accident.
Spanair said 166 passengers and six crew were on board its flight bound for Gran Canaria.
A statement from the airline said: "Spanair regrets to confirm that its flight number JK 5022, from Madrid to Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, was involved in an incident at Madrid, at 14.45 local time (13:45 BST) today."
The crash has been blamed on a fire in the plane's left engine.
Eyewitnesses said people had watched their friends and families board the plane in question before it crashed shortly after takeoff.
El Mundo said an "enormous column" of smoke could be seen at Barajas airport following equipment failure on the plane.
Spanair added: "Spanair is doing everything possible to assist the Spanish authorities at this difficult time, and has established a local help-line number for relatives or friends of those who may have been on board."
People concerned their friends or family are involved in the incident have been asked to call +34 800 400 200.