Boeing 373 Breaks into Pieces When Landing in Colombia

A Boeing 737 passenger jet crashed and broke into three pieces upon landing during a storm at a Colombian island yesterday, but the only fatality was a passenger who died from an apparent heart attack.

Photo: Boeing 373 Breaks into Pieces When Landing in Colombia

Boeing 373 Breaks into Pieces When Landing in Colombia

The plane, carrying 121 passengers and six crew members, was about 80 metres from the San Andres island runway when a suspected lightning strike caused it to land short and slide onto the runway, crumpling the fuselage, The Guardian informs.

San Andres governor Pedro Gallardo said: "It was a miracle and we have to give thanks to God."

The airline, Aerovias de Integracion Regional SA, said it has about 20 planes, including 10 Boeing 737-700 jets. It said in a Twitter posting that it was "working and investigating with the aeronautical authorities to determine the causes".

Boeing said the wrecked 737-700 jet left the factory in 2003. It was not clear whether Aires was the first operator, The Press Association reports.