Dozens killed in plane crash off Benin

Dozens killed in plane crash off Benin


COTONOU, Benin (Reuters) - An airliner has crashed into the sea moments after takeoff in Benin, killing dozens on board and forcing rescuers to plunge into the waves in the hope of saving others or at least salvaging their bodies.

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Airport officials said the plane had had problems retracting its landing gear after takeoff. It smashed into a building at the end of the runway, exploded and then crashed into the sea around 1415 GMT.

Airport officials in Benin said the plane belonged to Union Transport Africaines, owned by two Lebanese, and that it could carry 141 passengers and crew.

Officials at the control tower in Cotonou said 63 people had boarded the plane in Benin, including 58 adults, three children and two babies. Four were from Benin, and the rest were Lebanese, heading to Beirut for seasonal holidays.

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Iarram thu dheanamh solus ur tomham,
O ainghil aoibh-ghil, air an oidhche nochd,
O ainghil aoibh-ghil, air an oidhche nochd.
Bi fein a d' reuil-iuil os mo chionn,
Sorchair orm gach foirche is fonn,
Stiuir mo bharc air bharr an liuinn,
Chon cala tamh an samhchair thom,
Chon cala tamh an samhchair thonn.

A prayer for those who lost their lives today.