Search for missing jet delayed, report shows
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Air traffic controllers did not realize that Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 was missing until 17 minutes after it disappeared from civilian radar, according to a preliminary report on the plane’s disappearance released Thursday by Malaysia’s government.
The plane went off Malaysian radar at 1:21 a.m. March 8, and Vietnamese air traffic controllers began contacting Kuala Lumpur at 1:38 a.m. after they failed to establish verbal contact with the pilots and the plane didn’t show up on their radar, according to the five-page report, which was dated April 9 and sent last month to the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The documents showed that Malaysian authorities did not launch an official search and rescue operation until four hours later, at 5:30 a.m.
Iraqi leader hails national elections
BAGHDAD – Iraq’s prime minister hailed a high turnout in nationwide elections as a “slap in the face of terrorism” Thursday, but his upbeat comments were tempered by a U.N. announcement that last month’s death toll was the highest so far this year amid a sharp spike in sectarian bloodshed.
Nouri al-Maliki, who has held power since 2006, also said he would open talks with blocs from all sects and factions to seek their support as he moves to secure a third four-year term.
Toronto mayor heads to rehab clinic
TORONTO – Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s brother says the mayor has boarded a plane and will enter a 30-day inpatient treatment at one of the best rehab facilities in North America when he lands.
Speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., Doug Ford declined to name the location of the facility. Doug Ford didn’t return messages seeking comment.
Ford began a leave of absence to seek treatment for substance abuse Thursday, disappearing from public view after a report surfaced of second video of him apparently smoking crack cocaine.
Associated Press
