Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, December 28, 2003
138 people killed in plane crash in Benin
The death toll from a plane crash in neighboring Benin increased to 138 on Saturday, as eight more swollen bodies washed ashore, according to a report reaching here from Cotonou, the main coast city of Benin.
The death toll from a plane crash in neighboring Benin increased to 138 on Saturday, as eight more swollen bodies washed ashore, according to a report reaching here from Cotonou, the main coast city of Benin.
Beninese Foreign Minister Rogatien Biaou said on state radio that a total of 130 bodies had been recovered from the crash site by late Friday.
The Boeing 727 was carrying 156 passengers and seven crew, mostof which were Lebanese going home for Christmas holidays.
More than 20 people, including a pilot, survived the mishap, but dozens are still missing and believed dead.
The plane, owned by Union Tranport Africaines (UTA), was heading to Beirut while it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean after the takeoff on Christmas Day.