Death toll rises to 153 in plane crash in Spain

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Source: CCTV.com | 08-21-2008 09:44

At least 153 people are dead after a plane crashed on takeoff and burst into flames at Madrid airport. The plane was bound for the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa, Wednesday. There were 173 people on board.

The death toll stands at 153. Many who survived the initial impact later died in hospitals.  Among the victims are many children.  Twenty people are listed as injured.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero  interrupted his vacation in southern Spain to fly to the crash site.  He promised a thorough investigation into the cause.

A fire helicopter tries to put out fire as a Spanish plane  catches fire at Madrid's Barajas airport, Aug. 20, 2008.  The Spanair MD-80 jet plane with some 160 people onboard  veered off the runway and caught fire while taking off here  Wednesday, killing 147 people, injuring over 20, according  to the rescuer.(Xinhua Photo)

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said, "The government will make every effort to support the families in this difficult time as they deal with news of the tragedy. I also want to underline my recognition of the great coordination between the central government and the government of Madrid to respond to the emergency."

Dozens of ambulances rushed to the site as columns of smoke billowed from the wreckage.

The head of emergency services said the crews faced "a desolate scene" at the crash site.