Plane crash in Istanbul split into three parts, leaves 3 dead, 179 wounded

At least three people are dead after a Pegasus Airlines plane crashed and broke apart on the runway in Istanbul, Turkey leaving other 179 injured.

The plane, flight PC 2193, carried passengers from Izmir, Turkey, to Istanbul.

It split into three pieces and briefly caught on fire.

Live images broadcast on Turkish television showed several people climbing through a large crack in the severed aircraft and escaping onto one of the wings at the rear.

The Boeing 737 operated by Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines had flown into Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport from the Aegean port city of Izmir on Wednesday.

The plane apparently buffeted by strong winds and heavy rain lashing Istanbul.

Three Turks killed and 179 injured, Turkish Health Minister told.

“Some passengers evacuated the plane by themselves but others still stuck inside and our rescuers working to free them,” Transport Minister Mehmet Cahit Turhan said.

The plane carried 177 passengers and six crew members, state news agency Anadolu said.

Turkish media reports said there were 12 children on board.

A state TV showed images of the badly damaged aircraft and flames inside, which were later put out by firefighters.

After darkness fell, television footage showed dozens of rescue workers in high-visibility jackets surrounding the jet with flashlights.

However, some sprayed water jets onto the severed body of the aircraft.

While, others seen climbing up onto the plane to comb through the cabin.