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Search Continues for Victims of Lebanon Plane Crash

   Rescue  teams  have  been searching for the wreckage of the Boeing 737
   that plunged into the Mediterranean Monday.

   VOA News 26 January 2010

Photo: AP

   Lebanese marine commando soldiers stand near debris from the Ethiopian
   Airlines  plane  that  crashed  in  the  sea  at the shore near Beirut
   airport, Lebanon, Monday, 25 Jan. 2010

   Crews  from several countries are continuing to search for the victims
   of  the  Ethiopian  Airlines plane that crashed into the Mediterranean
   Sea off the coast of Lebanon.
   European,  U.S.  and  United Nations rescue teams searched through the
   night  for the wreckage of the Boeing 737 that plunged into the sea in
   a ball of fire Monday.
   Ninety  passengers  and  crew, mostly Lebanese and Ethiopians, were on
   board  the  flight headed to Addis Ababa.  The plane went down shortly
   after  takeoff  from  Beirut.  Lebanese officials say it is not likely
   anyone survived.
   Officials say at least 15 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage
   so far.
   Search  crews  are  continuing  to  look for the plane's black box and
   flight data recorder to help determine the cause of the crash.
   Lebanese  officials  have  blamed  the  crash on bad weather, and have
   ruled out terrorism as a possible cause.
   White  House  spokesman  Robert  Gibbs  said  Monday  the thoughts and
   prayers  of  Americans  are  with  the  families  and  friends  of the
   victims.  Gibbs also praised rescuers for their immediate response.

   Ethiopian  Airlines  is  considered one of Africa's best carriers.  It
   operates  regular  flights  to  Lebanon, where thousands of Ethiopians
   work as domestic helpers.
   The  airline  says the plane that crashed last underwent a maintenance
   check on December 25, and no problems were found.
   U.S.  aircraft-maker  Boeing says it is working with the U.S. National
   Transportation  Safety  Board to help Lebanese authorities investigate
   the crash.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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