AeroMexico Connect flight AM 2431 operating from Durango, Mexico to Mexico City on July 31, 2018 with Embraer 190 XA-GAL (above) crashed while attempting to takeoff from Durango and overran the runway and burned. The 99 passengers and four crew members were able to exit the burning aircraft. The aircraft is destroyed.

The flight was attempting to takeoff in heavy rain. Downdraft?

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49 people were hospitalized.

Two people, including one crew member, are in critical but stable condition.

AeroMexico issued this updated statement:

We deeply regret the events of this Tuesday evening involving flight AM 2431 from Durango bound for Mexico City.

This is a very difficult day for passengers, pilots, flight attendants, families, and loved ones of all those affected by this accident; as well as for our Aeromexico family and Mexico at large.

During a press conference the CEO of Grupo Aeromexico, Andres Conesa, expressed, “Our heart is with those affected and their families. We are deeply saddened and moved by this incident, and we would like to reiterate, first of all, that the Grupo Aeromexico family extends its support, thoughts, and prayers to those affected and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist them.”

Aboard the aircraft were 88 adult passengers, nine minors, two infants and four crew members, as well as two pilots and two flight attendants. At present time no human losses have been reported thanks to the prompt action of the crew and passengers. The safety of our passengers is our first priority. Our more than 14,000 employees are wholly committed to the well-being of passengers and their families.

The aircraft involved was an Embraer 190 with registration XA-GAL, manufactured in 2008 and has been operated as part of our fleet since 2014.

At the moment, our priority is to address the needs of those affected and their families by taking the following actions:

1. Providing attention and care for passengers and crew in nearby medical facilities.
2. The Aeromexico Emergency Response Team is already in the accident zone and is focused on assisting passengers and their families.
3. We have made free transportation available to relatives of affected passengers in Durango. To this end, a telephone helpline has been established at +52 (55) 51 33 40 59 in Mexico and 1 866 205 4084 from abroad.

We are closely collaborating with the relevant authorities, particularly with the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), to establish the cause of this accident.

On behalf of the company, Andres Conesa especially thanked the crew for their professional actions, along with the Federal and State authorities, whom from the first minute have supported the rescue and assistance efforts. Moreover, he also thanked the employees for their professionalism and prompt response, as well as other airlines that have expressed their solidarity.

Lastly, we would like to reaffirm that we are focused 100% on doing everything in our power for the well-being of passengers and their families.

Read more from CNN: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: AeroMexico Connect Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW XA-GAL (msn 19000173) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 942978.

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