World News

U.S. Passenger Jet Crashes in NYC

Written by Joshua Smith - 13th November, 2001

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Just as Americans began to regain faith in their airlines and the country's resilience to terrorist attacks, a further airline-related tragedy has befallen New York City, the cause of which is unknown at this stage.

About 20 minutes ago, (at 9:18AM ET) an Airbus model 300 crashed nose-first into the Rockaway section of suburban Queens, in New York City. The flight, American Airlines #587, was headed from JFK International Airport to Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic took off at 9:15AM, about 30 minutes behind schedule, and lost contact at 9:16.

While details remain sketchy at this stage, eyewitnesses have reported a white ball of smoke emitted from the plane prior to its descent. They also claim to have seen fire coming from the left side of the plane and debris falling from the opposite side prior to impact. The aircraft is reported to have hit the ground in an almost verticle position, with the bulk of the plane landing four blocks from the engine, creating two suburban crash sites. No distress calls were made from the plane.

Reports at this stage indicate that the vessel housed 246 passengers and 9 crew, and all are believed to have perishd in the crash. It is unknown at this stage how many civilians have been killed or injured in and around the crash sites.

Further eyewitnesses have claimed that the security at JFK prior to the event seemed heavier than usual, with passengers asked to remove coats for inspection.

Air space above NYC has been closed to all but military and limited incoming traffic in the wake of the incident.

This comes two months and one day after terrorists hijacked four passenger jets in the US, crashing two into New York's twin World Trade Center towers, one into the Pentagon and one into rural lannd in Pennsylvania.

American Airlines has established a help line for family and friends of those on board. This may be reached via the US-based toll-free number 1800 245 0999.