Hundreds feared dead in New York plane crash

An American Airlines aircraft has crashed into a residential area of Queens Borough in New York.

The Airbus A-300 was carrying 246 passengers and nine crew, when it crashed into a heavily populated area on Rockaway Beach. Up to 12 buildings in the area are on fire.

AT A GLANCE 246 passengers, nine crew on board American Airlines flight No 587 Crash at 2.15 p.m. Flight from New York JFK to Dominican Republic

The Federal Aviation Administration has said there is no evidence of any terrorist involvement at this stage. However, the FBI has said it believes there was an explosion on board the plane before it crashed.

LaGuardia, Newark and JFK airports have all been closed.

An emergency command centre has been set up at the scene, and 200 firefighters have arrived to begin the rescue operation. Many people may have been at home in the area as today is a public holiday in the US.

The aircraft, Flight 587, was taking off from JFK Airport en route to Santo Domingo. No distress call was made from the plane in the minutes running up to the incident.

Fighter jets were scrambled after the crash and are patrolling the skies above Queens.

Just a lot of smoke. Tons and tons of smoke. You can see emergency vehicles heading to the area. Lots of people are standing in the streets. It's very tense. Crash witness

Mayor Mr Rudolph Giuliani has joined rescue services at the scene. He appealed for people to remain calm saying: "We will do everything we can to help these people".

British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the American people at this time. I don't think it would be sensible, based on the information we have, to speculate any further".

One witness said flames appeared to be coming from the wing of the aircraft before it crashed. Other witnesses reported seeing parts falling off the plane and hearing a loud noise before the crash.

Emergency helplines (01) 408 2000 (Irl) (01) 408 2585(Irl) (01) 408 2833 (Irl) (800) 245 0999 (US)

Another told

CNN

he was 40 blocks away and saw: "Just a lot of smoke. Tons and tons of smoke. You can see emergency vehicles heading to the area. Lots of people are standing in the streets. It's very tense".

The incident happened at 2.15 p.m. (Irish time).

Peninsula Hospital Centre in Rockaway say 15 people are currently being treated for injuries from the Queens jet crash.

A hospital spokesman said none are thought to be serious.

He stressed it is too early to get a complete picture of the extent of the injuries.