An absolutely horrific scene. A Continental Airlines jet capable of carrying 50 people has crashed into houses in Buffalo, New York. Reports from MSNBC and local Buffalo news stations state that 49 people — 44 passengers, 4 crew, and 1 person on the ground — have been killed.
Stand by…
Update: 2 people, residents of the house, have been taken to the hospital. Local official: “This is not a rescue effort.” The plane was preparing to land.
Update X2: Local official says that the plane was Continental 3407 Newark-Buffalo (Operated by Colgan Air). Local media confirms the flight number.
Update X3: Buffalo figherfighters confirm there are no survivors.
Update X4: FAA also confirms no survivors.
Update X5: It appears to have been rain and sleet that brought down the plane, officials say.
Update X6: Officials confirm one person killed on ground, too. More officials confirm that the scene is not a search and rescue situation.
Update X7: I’m told this is the ATC communication (Air Traffic Control).


by Stephan Tawney on February 13, 2009