American Airlines Crashes off Jamaica Runway
On Tuesday evening, 91 out of 154 people on an American Airlines flight were taken to a hospital in Jamaica after their plane crashed off its runway upon landing. According to officials, none of the injuries suffered by passengers and cabin crew were critical.
The incident happened during bad weather, which caused the aircraft to overrun the runway, crash into a fence and stop partially on a nearby roadway. Norman Manley International Airport operations coordinator Omar Lawrence said that it occurred at about 10:20 in the evening.
American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith denied rumors that the plane was split in two, but confirmed there was damage to the fuselage, the landing gear on one side and some cracks on the plane due to the crash. The carrier’s chief executive officer and chairman, Gerard Arpey, said that their highest priority is the care of their crew members and passengers, and they are offering all necessary assistance.
According to Jamaican Information Minister Daryl Vaz, a majority of the injured passengers were released from the hospital, with only 4 as possibilities to stay overnight. Most of the injuries were broken bones, bruises and cuts, he added.
The American Airlines flight started from Washington, D.C., landing in Miami before continuing to Jamaica. It was raining when the pilot attempted to safely land the plane. But it could have been worse, as we have seen deadly aircraft landings before.
Passengers on the flight said that the aircraft seemed to land normally to start with, until there was a loud bang. Then the oxygen masks dropped and the fuselage started crumbling. The crash temporarily closed the airport for the scene to be examined by investigators and for authorities to decide if the runway was safe for other flights to land and takeoff.
Comments
Got something to say?