General Chat

omg how awful :((:((:((

Nearly 150 people are feared dead after a plane overshot the runway at Madrid's Barajas airport, according to Spanish media reports.

Only 25 people survived when the Spanair flight JK 5022, which had 173 people on board, crashed after swerving off the runway at the airport's terminal four, according to the Reuters news agency.

The incident happened after the plane attempted to take off for a second time. Some observers said one of the left engines caught fire as the plane accelerated, causing it to swing off track. The plane reportedly broke in two. The airport has been closed.

An official with the Madrid emergency rescue service, Samur, said crews were removing injured people and bodies from the plane. "It is certain catastrophe," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Eleven fire engines were reportedly at the scene. The El Pais website said the accident sparked a small fire on a grassy area.

The flight was bound for Las Palmas, in Gran Canaria. Among the passengers on board the MD82 plane were two children.

How terrible, I am thinking and praying for the families of all concerned.

"Spanair regrets to confirm that its flight number JK 5022 from Madrid to Las Palmas de Gran Canarias was involved in an accident at Madrid, at 1445 hours local time today," the airline said in a statement.

The Spanair plane was taking off for Gran Canaria at about 1445 local time, with about 160 people on board.

There were reports of a fire in the left engine during take-off. TV footage showed smoke billowing from the craft.

Emergency services are attending the scene.

Weather conditions in Madrid were fine at the time of the incident.

The plane, which was destined for Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, came down during or shortly after take-off, local media say, quoting aviation authorities.
It skidded off the runway at terminal four into fields, says the BBC's Steve Kingstone in Madrid.

Really really sad news. Fatalities unconfirmed but possibly 50+

Sad times for all the families.
Di

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7572643.stm

At least 20 killed.

OMG That's the kind of thing that stops me from flying.

Pray to God for the poor sould

Confirmed 45 dead. 19 injured.

May they R.I.P.

Scarey stuff, I've flown to Madrid airport.

Reuters have it as at least 21 dead. Awful.

Sue

Just on Sky news now.
There's different reports on the amount of casualties. Was a Spanair plane flying to Gran Canaria.