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SAN FRANCISCO -- An Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul crashed on landing at San Francisco's
airport Saturday, killing two passengers, injuring more than 180 and and forcing dozens
of frightened passengers and crew to scamper from the heavily damaged aircraft before it
was engulfed in smoke and flames.
There were 307 on board, including 16 crew. Officials said 123 escaped without injury
and 181 were hospitalized or treated for injuries. Among the injured, 49 are in serious condition
and five at San Francisco General Hospital, including a child, remain in critical condition.
Among the 47 others at San Francisco General, several were treated for minor injuries, including
fractures and abrasions, and were released Saturday night.
"It was all over in 10 seconds," says Vedpa Singh, who suffered a fractured collarbone.
"We heard a big ***, and it was over."
The cause of the crash has not been determined, but the FBI has has ruled out terrorism. The
Boeing 777 appeared to have touched down tail-first and short of the runway. A sheered off tail
section rested several hundred feet from the main body of the aircraft, and debris from
the plane littered the runway. Passenger Janghyung Lee told USA TODAY that the aircraft rattled
wildly before landing.
The two people who died in the crash were found outside the heavily damaged jetliner.
Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said late Saturday that she did not know the ages or genders
of the victims.