URGENT -- Small jet crashes, bursts into flames at Colorado airport

[News_Editor]

ASPEN, COLORADO (BNO NEWS) -- A business jet crashed and burst into flames Sunday while landing at a regional airport in Colorado, but there was no immediate word on casualties, federal officials said.

The accident happened at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday when the Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft, which is capable of carrying up to 21 people, attempted to land at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Pitkin County. It was not immediately known how many people were on board.

"All we know at this time is that there is an accident at Aspen. The airplane appears to be a Bombardier Challenger 600, coming from Tucson to Aspen," said Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesman Allen Kenitzer. "It crashed while attempting to land."

Comedian Kevin Nealon was at the airport when the accident happened and posted updates on the social networking website Twitter. "Horrible plane crash here at Aspen airport. Exploded into flames as it was landing," he said. "Fire truck and ambulances were on the scene within minutes. I don't believe there are any survivors."

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