A Germanwings flight 4U-9525 Barcelona-Dusseldorf lost contact with ATC at 10:45. 144 passengers and 6 crew were lost—most likely German and Spanish passengers.The wreckage has been located between Prads-Haute-Bleone and Barcelonnette in France in a mountainous region.
Germanwings and Lufthansa operated the flight.
The area where the wreckage was spotted is difficult to access, but it is an area known for hiking and skiing.
Germanwings Latest Information on 4U-9525
Germanwings Announcement
We must confirm to our deepest regret that Germanwings flight 4U 9525 from Barcelona to Dusseldorf has suffered an accident over the French Alps. The flight was being operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft, and was carrying 144 passengers and six crew members. Lufthansa and Germanwings have established a telephone hotline. The toll-free 0800 11 33 55 77 number is available to all the families of the passengers involved for care and assistance. Everyone at Germanwings and Lufthansa is deeply shocked and saddened by these events. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the passengers and crew members.
Accident to the Airbus A320-211 registered D-AIPX, flight GWI18G, on 24 March 2015
INFORMATION ON 24 MARCH 2015
In accordance with the provisions of European Regulation 996/2010 the BEA has initiated a Safety Investigation after having been informed, at the end of the morning, that an Airbus A320-211 crashed near the commune of Prads-Haute-Bléone (Alpes de Haute-Provence, France).
The aeroplane, registered D-AIPX, operated by Germanwings, flight GWI18G, was flying the route from Barcelona (Spain) to Düsseldorf (Germany). According to information from the airline, there were 144 passengers and 6 crew members on board.
Seven investigators from the BEA, accompanied by technical advisers from Airbus and CFM International, are travelling to the accident site. They will be joined by a team of three investigators from the BFU (Bundesstelle für Flugunfalluntersuchung) the BEA’s German counterpart.
A press conference will be organised at the BEA tomorrow, Wednesday 25 March, from 16h to 16h45. Journalists who wish to attend are asked to confirm their presence with Sonia Festou, sonia.festou@bea-fr.org