Russian military transport plane crashes in Crimea, killing 29
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MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian military transport aircraft crashed in Crimea on Monday night, killing all 29 people on board, Russian officials confirmed.
The Antonov An-26 was flying from an airfield in the Russian-annexed peninsula when it went down near the town of Krasnodar, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff at approximately 10:41 p.m. local time.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but the impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of all passengers and crew members from the wreckage. No survivors were reported.
The Russian Aerospace Forces, which operate the An-26, have not released details about the flight's destination or the identities of those aboard. The aircraft was reportedly carrying military personnel and possibly cargo, though the exact nature of the mission remains unclear.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to the families of the victims. "This is a tragic loss for our country," Putin said in a statement released late Monday. "Our thoughts are with the families of those who perished."
The crash has raised questions about the safety of military aviation operations in the region. Crimea has been a focal point of military activity since Russia's annexation of the peninsula in 2014. The area has seen increased air traffic in recent months as Russia has bolstered its military presence in preparation for potential operations.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway. Russian authorities have not ruled out mechanical failure, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions. The aircraft was reportedly flying in clear skies, but wind speeds and visibility at the time of the crash have not been confirmed.
The crash is the deadliest involving a Russian military aircraft in recent years. It comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine. The incident has drawn international attention, with several countries expressing concern over the safety of military operations in the region.
Russian officials have not provided a timeline for the investigation or when the results will be released. The crash has also raised questions about the maintenance and operational procedures of the Russian military aviation fleet.
As of Tuesday morning, the site of the crash remains cordoned off. Emergency crews are still working to recover all remains and debris from the wreckage. The Russian government has promised a full investigation into the incident.
The crash has left a somber mood across Russia, with many mourning the loss of life. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of military aviation operations in the region. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining the cause of the crash and preventing future incidents.