3 survive after Boeing 737 crashes in Cuba with 113 aboard: officer

By The Associated Press

A military officer tells reporters that there appears to have been only three survivors, who are in critical condition, after a Boeing 737 crashed on takeoff from Jose Marti International Airport in Havana on Friday, with 104 passengers and nine crew aboard.

The officer declined to provide his name and other officials declined to confirm the figure.

The plane came to rest in a yuca field where firefighters sprayed the charred fuselage with hoses.

 

Officials said the plane was headed to the eastern city of Holguin when it crashed between the airport in southern Havana and the nearby town of Santiago de Las Vegas.

The plane was rented by Cubana, which has taken many of its aging planes out of service in recent months due to mechanical problems. It is notorious for its frequent delays and cancellations.

An employee of a small Mexican charter firm named Global Air says the aircraft belongs to the company.

He said he had no information on the six Mexican crew members or the more than 100 passengers of various nationalities.

The employee asked not to be named as the company is still not issuing formal statements.

Websites offering the firm’s services say it flies to Cuba and operates several 737 planes.

Founded in 1990, the company operates under the legal name Aerolineas Damojh, S.A. de C.V.

Global Affairs Canada spokesperson Krista Humick said they send their deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragedy.

We are saddened to hear about today’s plane crash in Cuba. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with those affected by this tragedy. Canadian consular officials are in contact with Cuban authorities to obtain further information – and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens if needed.

Canadians in the area requiring emergency consular assistance may contact the Embassy of Canada in Havana at 53-7-204-2516 or call the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at +1-613 996-8885 or toll free at +1 800-387-3124 or by email to sos@international.gc.ca.

Friends and relatives of Canadian citizens in the area should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling +1 613 996 8885 or +1 800 387 3124, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.

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