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ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AP) - The plane carrying British Prime Minister Tony Blair to a meeting with President Bush was struck by lightning as it approached the United States on Wednesday, a reporter on board said. No injuries or damage were reported.

Britain's Press Association news agency said Blair's chartered British Airways Boeing 777 was struck by a lightning bolt as it approached Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland at about 10,000 feet. It landed 20 minutes later, at 5:05 p.m.

Jon Smith, a Press Association reporter traveling with Blair, reported that the bolt hit the jet's left wing. The plane did not change course or descend and the pilot reassured passengers that "there's nothing to worry about."

Blair's 10 Downing Street office said it was not aware of the incident.

Blair flew on to the presidential retreat at Camp David for a working dinner with Bush. The two leaders will meet against Thursday to discuss the war in Iraq and plans for the country's future.


http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20030327/D7Q14CNO0.html