An ATR-72, a twin-engine, propeller-driven aircraft, operated by Tuninter, a subsidiary of TunisAir that operates internal and short-distance flights, crashed into the mediterranean sea, just off the coast of Sicily, yesterday afternoon.
The plane had reported an engine problem around 3:20 p.m. and tried to make an emergency landing at Palermo’s airport, but it went into the sea 20 minutes later, according to Italian air traffic control officials.
The Tuninter aircraft was headed from Bari in southeastern Italy to the Tunisian island of Djerba, a popular destination for European tourists.
Rescuers have saved at least 23 of the 38 people on board.
Thirteen people have been confirmed dead, and another two are missing.
Our condolences to the families of the people who were lost in this crash.
May God rest their souls in peace.
[More: CNN]