White House saddened by deaths in Lebanon plane crash, commends rescue workers

White House saddened by deaths in Lebanon crash

WASHINGTON — The White House says the Obama administration is deeply saddened by the deaths of passengers aboard an Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed after taking off from Beirut early Monday.

Spokesman Robert Gibbs said the administration’s thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who died, and he commended rescue workers for their quick response.

The plane carrying 90 people caught fire and crashed into the sea minutes after taking off. No survivors have been found, but emergency workers recovered at least 34 bodies. The cause of the crash was not immediately know, but the Lebanese president says terrorism is not suspected.