News
Former U.S. senator may have been on plane that crashed in Alaska
By: cnn.comPosted On: 08/10/2010 2:33 P
A private plane carrying a former head of NASA and, possibly, former Sen. Ted Stevens crashed Monday night in a rugged stretch of Alaska. The crash left at least five people dead, and crews have arrived to help survivors.
EADS North America said its chief executive officer, Sean O'Keefe, a former head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, was a passenger on the aircraft. The family of the former Alaskan Republican senator would neither confirm nor deny reports that the ex-lawmaker was aboard.
The Stevens family issued a statement Tuesday offering their prayers for the crash victims.
"The Ted Stevens family offers their prayers for all those on board and for their families. We thank the brave men and women who are working to reach the site," said a family statement read on CNN by Stevens' former chief of staff, Mitch Rose.
"We continue to work with the Alaska National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska state troopers. We thank everyone for their support and prayers," the statement said.
The news has reverberated across the state. Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate, sent out a Twitter message saying: "Heartbreaking Bristol Bay plane crash. Alaska's heart surrounds loved ones. More info coming in; pls pray for Dillingham rescue this morning."
Alaska's two current U.S. senators also issued statements.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, asked "Alaskans to join me in prayer for all those aboard the aircraft and their families." Sen. Mark Begich, a Democrat, said his "thoughts and prayers are with those on board the plane and their families as we wait for more information."
Federal Aviation Administration reports said eight or nine people were on the plane, which crashed near the town of Dillingham.
The agency's Alaska office said two survivors had serious injuries and two had minor injuries, and it said the flight was from GCI Lodge on Lake Nerka to Dillingham.
Though EADS North America confirmed O'Keefe was on the plane, there was no word on his fate.
"Local authorities are reporting that there are survivors and a rescue operation is under way," said Guy Hicks, a company spokesman "No other details are available at this time."
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