last news from 10/17/03 10:07

NEW YORK, Nov. 12 — An American Airlines flight from New York to the Dominican Republic crashed shortly after takeoff from John F. Kennedy on Monday, and at least four homes reportedly were on fire in the Queens section of New York City.

THE AIRBUS A300 crashed shortly after 9 a.m. in the Rockaways section of Queens on Long Island, sending up a thick plume of black smoke that could be seen miles away.

Tthe plane could hold up to 275 passengers and crashed about five miles from Kennedy Airport. There was no immediate indication how many people were on board the plane.

Though there was no suggestion that the crash was caused by terrorists, city officials closed JFK and La Guardia Airport, which also is Queens, were shut the subway and all bridges and tunnels as a precaution.
The flight was scheduled to leave at 8:00 a.m. but the takeoff was delayed until 9:15 a.m.