BEDFORD, Mass., June 1 (UPI) -- Seven people, including the co-owner of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Lewis Katz, died Saturday when the plane they were in ran off the runway at a Massachusetts airport.

The private plane -- a Gulfstream IV twin-jet -- ran off the runway upon takeoff at Hanscom Field in Bedford and burst into flames, killing all on board.


"I'm sorry to report that there were no survivors," Sharon Williams, airport director, said.

Katz, 72, was co-owner of the Inquirer and its sister newspaper, the Philadelphia Daily News.

"We all deeply mourn the loss of my true friend and fellow investor in ownership of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Daily News and Philly.com," said fellow owner of the newspapers, H.F. Gerry Lenfest. "It is a severe loss, but I am pleased to announce that Drew Katz, Lewis's son, will replace his father on the board of our new company."

The plane was en route to Atlantic City, N.J. when it crashed at about 9:40 p.m. EST.

The National Transportation Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were investigating the cause of the accident.