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MADRID, August 20 (RIA Novosti) - Spanish authorities have said that 146 people were killed and 34 were injured in a plane crash at Madrid Barajas International Airport, national media said Wednesday.
The Spanair passenger aircraft MD-82 bound for the Canary Islands had 178 people, including nine crew members, on board when it skidded off the runway during takeoff at 2:45 p.m. (12:45 GMT).
According to official data, 26 people have so far been hospitalized.
Earlier reports said that 20 of those injured had been seriously hurt while 35 people emerged unscathed.
According to preliminary information, the jet's left engine caught fire upon takeoff.
The fire has been extinguished and the airport has been temporarily closed.
