Civilian plane carrying 21 people crashes on take-off in Texas, all passengers survived

A plane carrying 21 people crashed Tuesday on takeoff near Houston, Texas, and all passengers and crew were able to get out before it was engulfed in flames, according to firefighters and local authorities.

"All 18 passengers and three crew members on board survived," said Sergeant Stephen Woodard of the Texas Public Security Service at a press conference.

The accident happened shortly after 10:00 local time.

The twin-engine plane, a McDonald Douglas, was bound for Boston, and the fire was completely destroyed, according to scenes captured by the rescue services.

According to the official, one person was slightly injured.

Local emergency services director Tim Gibson said passengers were able to get off the plane.

"They were very shocked," he said, stressing that the accident "finished in the best possible way."

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