Tuesday, November 13, 2001, updated at 13:37(GMT+8)
Shocked Relatives Gather at Dominican Airport
Hundreds who gathered at the Santo Domingo airport Monday wept, hugged each other and begged for information on relatives who were on American Airlines Flight 587 when it crashed in New York City.
Hundreds who gathered at the Santo Domingo airport Monday wept, hugged each other and begged for information on relatives who were on American Airlines Flight 587 when it crashed in New York City.
Officials at the Santo Domingo airport set aside a private area for relatives awaiting word. Many relatives who arrived hadn't heard of the crash, and some fainted and were treated by paramedics.
Ellis Perez, a spokesman for airport management, said American Airlines was making all necessary arrangements to assist family members of those on Flight 587.
Dominican Republic President Hipolito Mejia said about 150 Dominicans were on the flight, which crashed Monday morning shortly after taking off from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Mejia, who was in touch with the Dominican consulate in New York, said he was profoundly saddened by the crash.
The Dominican Republic shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with Haiti.