Two Australians are among the 150 travellers killed in the Germanwings A320 aircraft, which crashed into the French Alps.
Flight 4U9525 was flying from Barcelona to Dusseldorf when it fell from the sky near Digne-les-Bains.
Search and rescue operations and images of the accident show debris thrown over a wide area.
Europe reacts to #Germanwings plane crash – in pictures: http://t.co/6NDlzuE8wC pic.twitter.com/1HoGGuAbLB
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) March 24, 2015
So far, Lufthansa – Germanwings’ parent company – says it is treating the crash as an accident, but French Prime Minister, Manual Valls said nothing could be ruled out.
“We do not know what has happened to flight 4U9525. My deepest sympathy goes to the family and friends of our passengers and crew on 4U9525. If our fears are confirmed this is a dark day for Lufthansa. We hope to find survivors.”
Carsten Spohr, Lufthansa CEO
Reports from German media have suggested that the aircraft was grounded for 24 hours before it took off from Barcelona after experiencing ‘technical issues’.
Earlier reports also suggested that the airline had received a notice for safety concerns six months ago.
Deeply saddened 2 hear of the #Germanwings plane crash.Thoughts re with the friends,families of the passengers & crew pic.twitter.com/2H6GYaGAfB
— M barak Cherguia (@CherguiaMbark) March 24, 2015
In a press update, Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed two Australians were among the 150 people on board.
The pair is believed to be a Victoria-based mother and her adult son. Ms Bishop said at this stage it would not be ‘appropriate’ to reveal details of Australian residents.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of all those killed but particularly with the loved ones of two Australians who have lost their lives.”
Tony Abbott, Prime Minister
Other victims in the crash include two babies, six crew members and sixteen German teenagers who were on a school exchange trip.
President Obama has described the loss of so many children as ‘particularly heartbreaking’.
Two well-known opera singers Oleg Bryjak and Maria Radner plus their baby were also on the plane, flying home after performing in Richard Wagner’s opera Siegfried.
Meanwhile, Ms Bishop sent the message to Australian travellers to not change their behaviours over what is being treated as an accident.
“We must take care and be as safe as possible overseas.”
Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister
Travellers and other industry companies have taken to Twitter to send their thoughts and prayers to those lost in the crash.
Deepest sympathies and prayers for those affected by the tragedy of flight 4U 9525 @germanwings @lufthansa — Lars Gehre (@lagehre) March 24, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends of those onboard Flight 4U9525. We are with you, @Germanwings. #staystrong — Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) March 24, 2015
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of passengers and crew, and all the employees at @Lufthansa and @Germanwings. #4U9525 — Qantas (@Qantas) March 24, 2015