NEWS: 43 dead in Mideast air crash

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CNN) -- An Iranian airliner has crashed near Sharjah airport in the United Arab Emirates, killing 43 people. Journalist Kim Kelaita told CNN that 40 passengers, including a child and a baby, plus six crew were aboard the "short-hop" commuter flight from Kish island when it crashed in flames at about 11:40 a.m. (0740 GMT) approaching Sharjah airport.

She said there were three survivors now in hospital in critical condition

www.CNN.com

Kelaita said witnesses described how the plane crashed midway between two residential compounds and it may have been the pilot had deliberately steered the plane away from populated areas.

In television footage, rescue workers could be seen searching the flaming, smoking wreckage for survivors as ambulances rushed to and from the scene. Bodies were covered in red blankets and placed in a row.

Kaleida said an investigation had already begun and security personnel were already combing the wreckage.


[Edited on 10-2-2004 by SkepticOverlord]