Aeromexico Airliner carrying 101 passengers crashes after take-off in Durango, Mexico
An Aeromexico passenger plane carrying 101 people crashed shortly after takeoff in Durango, Mexico, according to officials.
Governor José Aispuro tweeted that there were no deaths among the 97 passengers and four crew aboard, although around 85 were injured.
The incident happened 10 km (six miles) from the airport just after take-off.
#BREAKING Miraculously no fatalities reported as result of #Durango #Mexico #Aeromexico #Vuelo2431 plane crash @Telemundo51 pic.twitter.com/IgSpZHVsgN
— JRodriguez (@JRodzMIA) July 31, 2018
Governor Aispuro said witnesses told him there was a loud bang sound before the plane fell to the ground.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Carl Erickson said there were storms in the area at the time of the crash at 16:00 local time (4:00 p.m. EDT).
The airport operator, Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte, said early data suggests bad weather was the cause.
"It's fairly common this time of the year to have these diurnal thunderstorms develop around that area, especially given the high elevation. The Durango airport is about 6,093 feet above sea level," Erickson said.
Corporaciones de emergencia y seguridad se encuentran en el km17 de la autopista Durango - Torreón atendiendo accidente de la aeronave, cede el paso a los vehículos de emergencia 🚨 pic.twitter.com/XR75WuMlai
— PROTECCIÓN CIVIL DGO (@CEPCDurango) July 31, 2018
Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
