New York plane crash kills 49
Updated on 13 February 2009
At least 49 people have died in a plane crash in the US.
Continental Airlines flight 3407 from Newark in New Jersey to Buffalo in New York came down in the town of Clarence.
At least one house was destroyed and the authorities have evacuated another 12 properties.
All 48 people aboard the Bombardier aircraft perished in the crash. At least one person on the ground was killed.
A huge blaze engulfed the area of the crash site and crews of firefighters are battling to control the flames.
'Limited state of emergency'
Emergency services told the media that they were "operating a limited state of emergency with a unified command".
Dave Bissonet, Clarence emergency control director, said "The scene is still very hot. Buffalo fire and the airport firefighting equipment are assisting us in cooling the area down."
Chris Collins, the Erie County Executive, added "Right now there are some fires still going so the site is not safe for any personnel. We did evacuate approximately 12 homes."
Another official said: "Families are at the USAIR club at the Buffalo airport. We are coordinating with Continental airlines for what further directions will occur."
