130 survive as plane crash-lands

A Boeing 737 carrying 131 people crashed in a thunderstorm and broke into three pieces as it slid on to the runway on a Colombian island yesterday. The region's governor said it was a miracle that only one person died.

Colonel David Barrero, of the Colombian Air Force, said officials were investigating reports the plane had been hit by lightning before crashing on San Andres Island, a resort area of 78,000 people about 120 miles east of the Nicaraguan coast.

San Andres's Governor, Pedro Gallardo, said 125 passengers and six crew members had been aboard Aires Flight 8520, but the only person killed was Amar Fernandez de Barreto, 68.

"It was a miracle and we have to give thanks to God," that only one person died, said Governor Gallardo.

Officials said 119 people were treated or checked at local clinics and five of them were seriously injured.