Paris, France: Briton killed in runway crash

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_763000/763195.stm

Briton killed in runway crash

A British pilot was killed and another injured in a collision between two planes on a runway at a Paris airport.

The crash - at Charles de Gaulle airport - involved a British cargo plane and an airliner carrying 150 Spanish football supporters.

Both men were from the Midlands and they had been with us for some time

Airport authorities said the Air Liberte plane was about to take off for Madrid after the European football cup final when it collided with the British aircraft.

The Shorts 330 twin engine cargo plane was loaded with mail and bound for Luton airport when the accident occurred at about 0300 (0100 GMT).

Neither of the pilots, who worked for Streamline Aviation, based at Luton airport, has been named.

A spokeswoman for the company said the men's relatives had been informed of the tragedy and Streamline officials were heading for Paris to help with the investigation into the crash.

She said: "We understand that our plane was waiting to take off when the collision occurred.

"One crew member was killed and the other was hurt. I'm not certain of the extent of his injuries.

"Both men were from the Midlands and they had been with us for some time."

She added: "It's too early to say what happened but we have people on their way to Paris to help in whatever way they can."

-- Jim McAteer (jim_mcateer@hotmail.com), May 25, 2000

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