RJ Crashes In China, 42 Survive

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An Embraer 190 regional jet operated by Henan Airlines crashed in northeast China about 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday, killing at least 42 of the 96 people on board. The jet reportedly crashed on approach and burst into flames at Yichun Airport, a small airport near the Russian border that opened last year. Three of the survivors were reported to be in critical condition. One of China’s major airlines had previously prohibited night landings at Yichun, citing concerns over terrain, lighting, and weather, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

China has been working to expand its aviation sector and improve safety, building new airports and opening more airspace to civilian use. The last major civil accident was in 2004, when a CRJ200 operated by China Eastern Airlines crashed into a frozen lake shortly after takeoff, killing all 53 on board.

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