The plane, which was bound for the Canary Islands, was carrying 172 passengers and crew members when it crashed near the end of the runway.

The Interior Ministry confirmed 45 deaths but there are fears the death toll is much higher, with some Spanish media agencies reporting up to 150 dead.

It is thought some of those on board Spanair flight JK5022 have been rescued from the wreckage, but are in a critical condition.

WRECKAGE: Smoke billows from the scene

Spanish newspaper El Pais quoted an airport official who claimed the stricken plane sped off the end of the runway and crashed, breaking into pieces.

El Pais quoted an employee of the national airport authority AENA who said that after an hour long delay due to technical problems, the plane had eventually managed to get slightly off the ground before crashing near the end of the runway.

Thick columns of white smoke billowed from the scene as helicopters and fire engines dumped water on the plane, which ended up in a wooded area at the end of the runway at Terminal 4.

An official with the Madrid emergency rescue service SAMUR called the crash "a catastrophe."

A makeshift morgue was being set up at the city’s main convention center, officials said.

SEARCH WORLD NEWS for:

Share... • Got A Story? Get in touch online • Email the news desk directly here!

Next story... France bans TV shows for babies France has banned TV shows aimed at children under three years old to protect them.

Print This Article

Email To A Friend

Contact Us About Article

Get RSS