CUBA — A passenger jet crashed shortly after takeoff in Cuba Friday. So far, three survivors have been found among the wreckage.
Photos from the scene showed first responders standing among the smoking debris. The plane, a Boeing 737 rented by Cubana airlines, had just left José Martí International Airport outside Havana, Cuban state TV reported. Cubana confirmed the flight had crashed.
The plane was carrying 104 passengers and additional crew members, and heading to the city of Holguin, on the eastern part of Cuba, according to Granma, the official newspaper of Cuba's Communist Party.
NEW: Cubana Airlines flight that crashed shortly after takeoff in Cuba had 104 passengers on board, according to Cuban media. https://t.co/WzjrJYznWw pic.twitter.com/EBRmwaedjb
— ABC News (@ABC) May 18, 2018
The three survivors found thus far are in critical condition at the hospital, Granma reported. They have badly broken legs, hips, severe burns, among other injuries. A fourth survivor was found who died en route to the hospital, state TV reported.
Video obtained by ABC News shows a giant fireball rising moments after the plane hit the ground.
The weather at the time of takeoff was clear, with temperatures in the low to mid-80s.
ABC News contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
