(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Mexican airline Aeromexico says there are no reports of fatalities after one of its planes carrying 103 people crashed near an airport in northern Mexico.
Flight 2431 was almost full, with 103 people including two infants and four crew members on board, when it crashed about 4:00pm (local time), authorities said.
Passengers and crew jumped to safety before the plane was engulfed in flames.
Governor Jose Rosas Aispuro told Mexican television that witnesses told him there was “a bang” and then without warning the plane was on the ground.
Mr Aispuro also said a gust of wind rocked the plane before it plunged suddenly, citing air traffic control at the airport.
The plane’s left wing hit the ground, knocking off two engines, before it came to a halt 300 meters from the runway, he told a news conference.
TV images showed the severely damaged body of the plane in scrubland and a column of smoke rising into the sky.
Passenger Jackeline Flores said the plane crashed shortly after taking off in heavy rain. She and her daughter escaped from a hole in the fuselage as the aircraft filled up with smoke and flames, she said.
“A little girl who left the plane was crying because her legs were burned,” Ms Flores said.
She said her passport and documents burned in the fire.
“I feel blessed and grateful to God,” she said.
