150 killed in French Alps jet crash
Germanwings said a full investigation is underway after one of its planes crashed in southern France killing all 150 people on board.
The Airbus A320 was flying between Barcelona and Dusseldorf when it came down in a remote area of the French Alps between Barcelonnette and Digne.
Germanwings has confirmed that 144 passengers and six crew members were on board the Airbus A320.
Latest reports say 45 of those on board were Spanish and 67 German, including a group of students, but this has not been confirmed.
In a press conference this afternoon Germanwings said the plane had dropped from 38,000 to 6,800 feet in 8 minutes.
Despite initial reports that pilots had sent a distress call, French aviation authority DGAC said this was not the case.
Germanwings has issued the following phone number for relatives: 0800 11 33 55 77.
“Everyone at Germanwings and Lufthansa is deeply shocked and saddened by these events. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the passengers and crew members,” it added.
Hundreds of French police and fire crew are on their way to the extremely remote crash site, which can only be reached by helicopter or foot.
Lufthansa chief Carsten Spohr had earlier issued a statement saying: “This is a dark day for Lufthansa.”
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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