Passengers injured as Southwest plane's landing gear collapses in New York
At least eight people were injured when a Southwest Airlines plane carrying 144 passengers crash-landed at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Monday. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO
The Boeing 737's front landing gear collapsed upon landing, leaving the plane's nose flat to the tarmac, sending out sparks as it skidded to a stop.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the airline said in a statement: "Eyewitness reports indicate the aircraft's nose gear collapsed upon landing.
"Initial reports indicate local responders are caring for five customers and three flight attendants who have reported injuries at this time. Southwest is cooperating with local authorities, and the (US aviation safety body) NTSB has been notified."
The Independent reports that 10 people were treated at the scene, with six taken to hospital suffering minor injuries.
The Southwest Flight 345 had come from Nashville, Tennessee. Emergency crews sprayed foam towards the front end of the plane, and passengers disembarked using emergency chutes.
Thomas Bosco, acting director of Aviation for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said there had been no indication there was a possible problem before landing.
He added that the plane collapsed when it landed on Runway 4 at 5.40pm, telling the Independent: "The aircraft skidded down the runway on its nose and then veered off and came to rest in the grass area."
Jeff Crabiel, 30, a hotel worker from Nashville who was aboard a Delta Air Lines flight that was on the runway, told the NY Times: "I saw a tire fly off and go to the left and the nose hit flat on the ground, and sparks went flying everywhere."
The incident temporarily shut down the airport, and all take-offs were suspended for more than two hours.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.
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