By Xinhua
Bangkok : A passenger plane of the budget airline One-Two-Go slid out of runway and crashed into trees in Thailand’s southern Phuket airport Sunday, causing many casualties. Media reports said up to 60 people were killed.
The MB 82 aircraft broke into two pieces during the crash while landing at about 3.40 p.m. (0840 GMT). Eyewitnesses said they heard a series of explosions.
Initial report said the plane, flight OG 269, had 128 passengers and crew.
Thai local news network The Nation reported that some 60 passengers were killed while TITV put the number at over 100.
The nationalities of those on board are unknown, but Phuket is a highly popular destination for overseas tourists.
Local radio FM 100 said the casualties include Thais and foreigners.
At least 10 passengers, including four foreigners, have been sent to a hospital.The airliner services Bangkok-Phuket flights six times a week.
The aircraft left Bangkok’s Don Muang airport at about 2.30 p.m. (0730 GMT).
Rescue work started soon after the crash. Ambulance vehicles raced to the spot, but local reports said the plane was all burnt down.
The accident was said to be caused by slippery runway after heavy rains.
Chaisak Angsuwan, director general of the Air Transport Authority of Thailand, said the aircraft broke in two as it attempted to land at Phuket airport in bad weather.
Chaisak told TITV that there was heavy rain when the plane attempted to make a landing.
“The visibility was poor as the pilot attempted to land. He decided to make a go-around but the plane lost balance and crashed. It was torn into two parts,” he said.
Weather in Phuket has been bad for several days, with thunderstorms and high wind gusts at times.