122 Die In Airliner Crash In S.W. Africa

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31660, 22 April 1968, Page 11

122 Die In Airliner Crash In S.W. Africa

(N.Z P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) WINDHOEK (South-West Africa), April 21. Crash experts began an on-the-spot investigation today into last night’s Boeing 707 disaster which killed all but seven of the 129 people aboard.

The new South African Airways jet, which had only been in service six days, came down in flat scrubland shortly after leaving Strijdom Airport, about 25 miles from Windhoek. Witnesses said the Londonbound Boeing seemed to falter about 600 ft. They saw a port engine on fire. “Then there appeared to be an explosion and the plane disappeared into the ground,” a witness said. A 8.0.A.C. Boeing 707 crashed in similar circumstances at Heathrow Airport. London, a fortnight ago and five persons died in the blazing wreck. Last night’s disaster was the worst since last April 20 —a year ago to the day—when a Swiss Britannia airliner crashed in Cyprus, killing 126. The Boeing left Johannes-

burg for London through Windhoek. Luanda, Las Palmas, and Frankfurt. The four-engined jet left the recently-opened Strijdom airport after picking up 46 passengers. Two farmers, who were among the first to reach the crash scene, said the plane appeared to falter and it looked as if the captain was trying to land. They said the landing lights were switched on as the plane came down. As it touched the ground it disintegrated in a huge explosion. Wreckage was strewn over five miles. Emergency vehicles including fire appliances

racing to the crash were bogged down in the rough, rainsoaked ground. Appeals went out for four-wheel drive vehicles. Eight people were taken by helicopter to hospital in Windhoek, but one of them died on the journey. Hospital authorities identified five of the survivors today as Mr Jan Van Der Wath, vice-chairman of the Internation Wool Secretariat Board and chairman of the South African Wool Board. Mr A. Derbyshire, of London. Mr Thomas Taylor, of the United States, Mr B. Arentzen. of Johannesburg, and Mr W. Rooke, of London.