2 survivors reported as plane crash shuts down major Venezuela airport

​​​​​​​By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - A Learjet 55 aircraft crashed Wednesday while attempting to land at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Venezuela, forcing the temporary closure of the country's most important air hub.

Preliminary information from the National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) said the crash occurred when the plane experienced an undetermined problem and went down shortly after beginning its descent at the airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas.

The aeronautical institute confirmed that "search and rescue protocols were activated, resulting in the rescue of two passengers alive." The survivors "immediately received appropriate medical attention and are in stable condition," it said.

The statement did not, however, specify the number of people on board or the flight's final destination.

Rescue teams and firefighters were deployed and brought the emergency under control within minutes. While some on social media circulated images of black smoke billowing from the runway, preliminary reports indicate there were no fatalities or collateral damage to airport facilities.

Several flights were diverted and airport operations were temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

Although some users have speculated on social media that the aircraft belonged to the government fleet, authorities have not issued an official statement.

INAC and other relevant agencies are expected to provide more details about the crew, flight log and cause of the crash.