An Aeromexico E190 aircraft, Flight 2431, crashed in Northern Mexico last night shortly after takeoff from Guadalupe Victoria International Airport in Durango, Mexico. Injuries have been reported but thankfully no fatalities. Initial reports suggest a strong gust of wind led to the rapid descent of the aeroplane moments after takeoff. The left wing touched the ground as it landed which caused the aeroplane to lose both of its engines and skid off the runway stopping 300 metres away.
"The control tower noticed strong wind currents and this could have caused the accident," Durango Govenor, José R. Aispuro said in a news conference.
All passengers and crew members evacuated the plane using its emergency evacuation slides before flames engulfed the aircraft.
"Our heart is with those affected and their families. We are deeply saddened by this incident and we would like to assure everyone that Group Aeromexico offering its support, thoughts and prayers to those affected and their families. We are doing everything in our reach to assist them and their families," Andres Conesa, the chief executive of Aeromexico said.
Ninety-nine passengers, including nine children and two infants, as well as four crew members were on board. Forty-nine people were hospitalised, including the pilot and a passenger who are reported to be in a critical but stable condition.
Embraer stated that it the aircraft, serial number 190-173, was delivered in May 2008, and that the company “stands ready to support the investigating authorities” and it has already deployed a team of Embraer technicians to the scene of the accident.