Probe launched into plane crash in Istanbul after three killed

Three people have died and 179 were injured when a plane skidded off the runway at an Istanbul airport, caught fire and split into three after landing in rough weather, with both the state and the airline company launching probes into the incident.

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 Gökçen airport from the Aegean port city of İzmir on Feb. 5, NTV television reported.

The plane was apparently buffeted by strong winds and heavy rain lashing Istanbul, Turkey's largest city.

Three Turks were killed and 179 injured, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca told reporters.

"Some passengers evacuated the plane by themselves, but others are stuck inside and our rescuers are working to free them," Transport Minister Mehmet Cahit Turhan said on CNN Turk television.

The plane was carrying 177 passengers and six crew members, state news agency Anadolu Agency said, revising the previous total given by Turkish authorities. Turkish media reports said there were 12 children on board.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said the plane "slid some 60 meters "after skidding off the runway, and then "fell about 30-40 meters" down a bank.

The accident, which he attributed to bad weather, "could have had more serious consequences," he said.

NTV showed images of the badly damaged plane 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 plane...