AirAsia Flight Crushes Into Water Due to Turbulence: Rescue Agency
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - AirAsia flight QZ 8501 crashed into water after experiencing severe turbulence and trying to change the course, Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency said Sunday.
"AirAsia Airbus A320, flight QZ 8501, flying from Surabaya (Indonesia) to Singapore fell into water near Belitung island (Indonesia)," Republika newspaper quoted the agency's representative as saying.
According to the statement issued by AirAsia, flight QZ8501 has lost contact with air traffic control at 07:24 local time (00:24 GMT). There were 155 passengers on board, including 17 children, two pilots and five cabin crew.
Search and rescue operations are underway under the guidance of The Indonesia of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). AirAsia Indonesia is assisting the investigation, Sputnic reported.