Plane crash kills 74

A passenger plane carrying many foreigners crashed today while attempting to land in heavy rain at an airport on Thailand’s tourist island of Phuket, leaving at least 74 dead, an official said.

The budget One-Two-Go Airlines domestic flight OG269 was carrying 123 passengers and seven crew members to Phuket from the Thai capital, Bangkok, according to Monrudee Gettuphan, vice president of corporate communications for the Air Transport Authority of Thailand.

Those on the plane included 78 foreigners, Monrudee said.

Phuket’s Deputy Governor Worapot Ratthaseema said officials have counted at least 74 bodies, which have been laid out in airport building.

“At least 74 people have been confirmed dead and 42 have been hospitalised,” Worapot said, adding that 14 passengers are still considered missing.