66 Dead in Thai Jet Crash

As many as 100 people were feared dead yesterday as a Thai plane ripped in two and exploded in flames in heavy rain as it touched down in the popular tourist resort of Phuket island. Some 20 passengers appeared to scramble to safety as smoke engulfed the budget jetliner operated by Orient Thai Airways.

The plane crashed as the pilot was making his second attempt to land in heavy rains, according to witnesses. Phukit island is one of Thailand's leading tourist destinations. (More Thailand stories.)