Cotonou (Benin): Christmas Day plane crash that took place in the small West African State of Benin, on Friday (Dec 26, 2003), Killed at least 113 people so far. Most of the victims were Lebanese, who were heading for holidays in Beirut. Meanwhile Lebanese Army divers arrived in Benin for rescue operations.

Benin's Foreign Minister Rogatien Biaou told reporters that at 15:30 (IST), 113 deaths in the crash of the Boeing 727 operated by Union des Transports Africans (UTA) had been confirmed, including several who had died in hospital.

22 people were injured, leaving 26 of the 151 passengers and 10 crew members unaccounted for after the plane botched its take off and skidded down the runway, smashing into a building before tumbling nose down into the Gulf of Guinea.

The plane's captain, a Libyan national, was among the survivors. A Middle Eastern Airlines (MEA) flight arrived today morning (Dec 27, 2003) from Beirut carrying Lebanese Foreign Minister Jean Obeid and five Army divers to join rescue efforts, which begun last afternoon by fishermen and beach-goers enjoying the Christmas holiday, that have continued without pause.

A second team of Lebanese divers was expected today. A second team of Lebanese divers was expected today, Biaou said.