[ad_1]
There are probably no surviving pets on a military charter plane that skidded into the river at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla., Friday, officials said.
The Boeing 737 was carrying 143 people and at least four pets when it left the Guantanamo Bay military base in Cuba. The aircraft reportedly attempted to land during a thunderstorm and skidded off the runway in the shallow St. Johns River.
FORCED AIRLINE FLIGHT TO BE LANDED AFTER FUMES DETECTED ON BOARD; A PERSON GIVEN TO THE HOSPITAL
Everyone on board was able to evacuate the plane without serious injuries.
Authorities still have to recover animal or passenger luggage, citing "safety issues with the aircraft". The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the accident.
(Will Dickey / The Florida Times-Union via AP)
However, there are reports that at least four pets, including cats and dogs, were reported in the Boeing 737 hold at the bottom of the aircraft. All are presumed dead.
"There is water in the cargo hold," Kaylee LaRocque, a US Navy spokeswoman in Jacksonville, told USA Today. "We are so sad about this situation, that animals have unfortunately died."
Authorities still have to recover animal or passenger luggage, citing "safety issues with the aircraft". The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the accident.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"Many people are asking questions about pets aboard the plane that skidded off the runway in the St. Johns River last night at NAS Jacksonville. Unfortunately, they have not been recovered yet due to security issues related to the aircraft. Our hearts and prayers are going to pet owners during this terrible incident, "NAS Jacksonville wrote on this incident.
Although the plane is not completely submerged, the cargo hold is under the water, which leads the authorities to believe that none of the animals survived.
The aircraft skidded off the runway and landed in the water at approximately 9:40 am Jacksonville fire and rescue services tweeted about 90 staff members.
(Jacksonville Sheriff's Office via AP)
"Obviously, we have no confirmation, but we continue to do what we can to positively determine the status of pets," said Captain Michael Connor, commander of the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. USA Today. "It's a very obviously difficult situation, my sympathy and my heart really go to these families."
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE NEWS ON FOX LIFE STYLE
The aircraft skidded off the runway and landed in the water at approximately 9:40 am Jacksonville fire and rescue services tweeted about 90 staff members.
[ad_2]
Source link