Airbus plane hits French airport barrier in tests
Updated: 2007-11-16 09:23
TOULOUSE, France -- An Airbus A340-600 carrying out engine tests crashed into an anti-noise barrier at Toulouse airport in southwest France Thursday, injuring 10 people, police said.
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"The nine people on board were all evacuated and we do not know the condition of the injured," an Airbus official told AFP, adding that the plane was "seriously damaged."
Two of the passengers and another person on the ground were seriously injured, police said. In all 10 people were injured and four people were hospitalised, three of whom were in serious conditions, they said.
Eighty firefighters rushed to the scene after the plane slammed nose-first into the barrier and the tail hit the tarmac.
"For an unknown reason the aircraft began to roll and it climbed up the embankment in front of it," said Airbus France spokesman Jacques Rocca.
European aircraft manufacturer said it "deeply regrets" the accident which occurred at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT) during "engine-run-ups". The company said however that only five people had been injured.
"At this time, recovery operations are still in progress and Airbus staff is working closely with the emergency services and local authorities at the site," it said in a statement.
"Airbus expresses its sympathy to the families and friends of the persons concerned."
It also promised to support French authorities investigating the accident.
The plane, destined for Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways, was a Airbus A340-600. The four-engined aircraft can carry between 380 and 472 passengers depending on the model.
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