Breaking news is emerging from Russia that a commercial airline has crashed and exploded. The flight, operated by a regional Russian airline, Tarastan Airlines, was flying from Moscow to Kazan when it crashed while landing. The crash occurred at 7:20 p.m. local time.
One Russian reporter is currently tweeting that among those dead may be the son of the president of the Tarastan state but this is currently unconfirmed.
Son of the president of Tatarstan could be onboard of the crashed plane in Kazan today. #Kazan #Russia #BreakingNews
— Ilya Zaytsev (@zaytsev_eng) November 17, 2013
This is a breaking news story and we will have more as information emerges from Russia.
Here is what you need to know about this deadly crash:
1. It Was a Boeing 737
The plan traveling from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport to Kazan was a Boeing 737.
Boeing 737 are known as very reliable planes, but the same model of plane was in the news in July when it crash landed at La Guardia airport in New York City. In New York City, the 737’s nose hit the ground during take off. RT is currently reporting that the same thing may have happened to the Kazan flight during landing.
2. Over 52 Passengers and Crew Are Feared Dead
BREAKING: Russian news reports say domestic flight has crashed and 44 people believed dead.
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 17, 2013
RT is currently reporting that with both crew and passengers on board, the number of people on the plane was 52. The Emergency Ministry told RT that there were no survivors.
3. The Plane Crashed After Multiple Attempts to Land in Kazan
The New York Times is currently reporting that the plane crashed after multiple attempts to land this morning at Kazan Airport.
Kazan is the Muslim-dominated capital of the central-Russian region of Tarastan.
4. It Took One Hour to Extinguish the Flames
The Emergency Ministry told the RT that one of the plane’s fuel tanks detonated after a number of attempts at landing.
The ensuing flames took over an hour and a number of first responders to extinguish.
5. Teams on the Ground are Currently Investigating
International airport of Kazan will be closed for up to 3 more hours. Photo from the terminal A. #Kazan #Russia # pic.twitter.com/oGde2dLrf7
— Ilya Zaytsev (@zaytsev_eng) November 17, 2013
Russian president Vladimir Putin has already commissioned an investigation of the days events.