Suleiman: Red Cross assisting
Photo: AP
Bad weather in Beirut
Photo: AP
Lebanon rules out terror as cause for plane crash
President says search for survivors of Ethiopian Airlines crash will continue despite stormy weather. At least 23 bodies recovered so far
Lebanon's president ruled out terrorism as the cause for the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Beirut. Michel Suleiman said Monday that rescue efforts would continue despite stormy weather.
At least 23 bodies were recovered from the crash site.
Original Report
Associated Press
Plane carrying 90 people crashes into Mediterranean Sea minutes after takeoff. Police believe crash weather-related. Lebanese military says located seven survivors
During a press conference called by Suleiman after the plane was discovered to have crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, he said Lebanese rescue forces would continue to search for survivors despite the difficult weather.
Suleiman stressed that these efforts, assisted by UNIFIL and the Red Cross, would go on for 72 hours. He also rejected any claim that the crash was the result of an act of terror.
Thunderstorms raged through Beirut Sunday night, and residents living near the coast reported seeing the Boeing 737 catch fire and crash into the sea.
Ghazi Aridi, the public works and transportation minister, said the plane was carrying 90 people, including 83 passengers and seven crew members.
Aridi identified the passengers as 54 Lebanese, 22 Ethiopians, one Iraqi, one Syrian, one Canadian of Lebanese origin, one Russian of Lebanese origin, a French woman and two Britons of Lebanese origin.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
