A Russian airliner has crashed in central Sinai with more than 200 people on board, the office of Egypt’s prime minister has confirmed.
The Airbus A-321 had just left the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, bound for the Russian city of St Petersburg.
Wreckage was found in the Hassana area and bodies removed, along with the plane’s “black box”. An official described a “tragic scene”.
Flight KGL9268 disappeared when travelling at 9,500m (31,000ft).
Egyptian officials said all the passengers were Russian.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an official investigation into the crash, and for rescue teams to be sent to the crash site.
A commission headed by Transport Minister Maksim Sokolov is to leave for Egypt on Saturday afternoon.
A criminal case has also been opened against the airline, Kogalymavia, for “violation of rules of flight and preparation for them”, Russia’s Ria news agency reported.
The airline, based in western Siberia, operates under the name Metrojet.
Russian authorities say it was carrying 217 passengers, 17 of them children aged between 2 and 17, and seven crew. Most were tourists.
A centre to help relatives of the passengers has been set up at Pulkovo airport, Tass news agency quoted St Petersburg city officials as saying.
BBC
Proboscis
October 31, 2015 at 5:50 pm
my heart goes to all the families of the victims. may the Almighty God give them comfort.
King Mish
November 1, 2015 at 7:55 am
So sad indeed, may God take care of there souls
ishilu
November 1, 2015 at 12:15 pm
where is this idiot called NEZ to comment on this and at last say vote upnd..
New Educated Zambia©❤√
November 1, 2015 at 12:35 pm
You silly fool. Refer to my comment below. Nez chief upnd strategist
New Educated Zambia©❤√
November 1, 2015 at 12:33 pm
As a man who travels widely and frequently it has become increasingly scary to fly these days. However they say flying is the safest mode of transport. I mean it us evident from the number of accidents on the pf substandard roads.
Factfinder
November 1, 2015 at 2:30 pm
Sorry
Alexis Sanchez
November 2, 2015 at 8:22 am
My deepest condolences 2 da families
Silencer
November 2, 2015 at 10:14 am
It’s very sad to lose human lives in such a big number. May the good Lord touch and console the bereaved families. Air transport still remains the safest mode of transport as compared to these PF roads that are being haphazardly constructed for the sole purpose of winning the elections.
mj banda
November 2, 2015 at 12:28 pm
It’s sad to hear of this tragedy, as an aviator, I say let investigations take place, moreover it’s an airbus, hope the french will take lead