American Airlines Plane Overshoots Runway in Jamaica

An American Airlines plane has overshot the runway on landing in the Jamaican capital Kingston, injuring more than 40 people, officials say. Flight AA 331 from Miami, with about 150 people on board, is reported to have broken apart after the incident at Norman Manley International Airport. Jamaican Information Minister Daryl Vaz said 44 people had been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. American Airlines said the impact had broken off the right engine. Spokesman Tim Smith said the fuselage was cracked and the main landing gear had collapsed.Passenger Pilar Abaurrea told the Associated Press news agency of chaotic scenes when the plane hit the ground. "All of a sudden the plane was kind of bouncing, someone said the plane was skidding and there was panic," she said. She said the pilot had warned of turbulence just before landing, but had said it probably would not be too serious. Local journalist Roland Henry said the plane had halted near the beach.He said survivors had thought the plane was landing normally before there was a series of jolts and luggage fell from overhead lockers. Mr Vaz told the Jamaica Observer newspaper there were no reports of any deaths. "The injured passengers have been taken to the Kingston Public Hospital," he said. Most of the injuries were believed to be cuts, bruises and some broken bones. Airport official Paul Hall said four people were seriously injured but gave no further details.