Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Cuba

Many feared dead after Cuban airliner carrying 104 passengers crashes

A military officer old reporters that there appears to have been only three survivors, who remain in critical condition.

CUBA-AIRPLANE-CRASH Wreckage at the crash site outside Havana Xinhua News Agency / PA Images Xinhua News Agency / PA Images / PA Images

THREE PEOPLE HAVE been pulled alive from the wreckage of a Cuban airliner which crashed after takeoff today with 104 passengers aboard, and are in a critical condition in hospital, state media said.

A military officer old reporters that there appears to have been only three survivors in critical condition after a Boeing 737 crashed on takeoff from Jose Marti International Airport in Havana with 104 passengers and nine crew aboard.

The officer declined to provide his name and other officials declined to confirm the figure.

The country’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who visited the crash site, warned earlier that many people were feared dead.

37367805711_4f22b31202_o File photo of a Cubana de Nacional plane Dmitry Terekhov Dmitry Terekhov

The Cuban state airways passenger plane crashed shortly after taking off this afternoon from Havana’s Jose Marti airport, state media reported.

The Boeing 737 operated by Cubana de Aviacion crashed “near the international airport,” state agency Prensa Latina reported.

There were no immediate reports regarding casualties.

Cuba Plane Crash Enrique de la Osa / Pa Images Enrique de la Osa / Pa Images / Pa Images

Airport sources said the jetliner was heading from the capital to the eastern city of Holguin, and had crashed in the space between the airport in southern Havana and the nearby town of Santiago de las Vegas.

Witnesses told AFP a thick column of smoke could be seen rising above the crash site.

The plane was rented by Cubana, which has taken many of its aging planes out of service in recent months due to mechanical problems.

With AP

More follows…

Your Voice
Readers Comments
30
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel