2 dead & 40 injured in Madrid aircrash

A Spanair passenger aircraft has reportedly run off the runway as it was taking off at Barajas Airport (LEMD/MAD) in Madrid shortly before 1500 local time (1300 UTC) on 20 August 2008. The aircraft -- flight number AJK 5022 -- was departing from Terminal 4 on Runway 36. It was en route to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria and had 163 passengers on board. The aircraft is currently on fire. No adverse weather conditions have been reported. At least two people have been killed and more than 40 injured; additional casualties are possible. Major delays are expected at the airport, as August is typically a busy period for travel and vacations.