Benin plane crash death toll rises to 141: Lebanese medic

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2003

BEIRUT (AFP) — At least 141 people were killed when a Beirut-bound Boeing 747 crashed in the west African state of Benin on Christmas Day, a Lebanese doctor who helped to repatriate the wounded from Cotonou said.

"There are 141 dead. We have repatriated 17 injured Lebanese as well as two Palestinians and a Syrian," said Ghattas Khoury, former president of the Lebanese doctors' association.

"Among the injured, six are in serious condition, including two who need intensive care, and the other 14 have multiple fractures," he added.

Another member of the delegation, including Foreign Minister Jean Obeid, sent to accompany the survivors home had said earlier that 11 wounded passengers arrived early Saturday in Beirut.

The Lebanese government flew them...