At least 29 people, including children, were killed today when a Russian passenger plane with 43 people on board crashed in Siberia, an official said.
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The Russian Emergencies Ministry said the death toll in the crash near the Urals city of Tyumen has risen to 29, news agency RIA Novosti reported.u00a0
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A ministry spokesman earlier said that 16 bodies were found at the crash site. Children are among the victims.u00a0
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The twin-engine ATR-72 plane heading to Surgut crashed 30 kilometers from the city of Tyumen shortly after takeoff. The aircraft burst into flames and broke into pieces upon impact.u00a0
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Preliminarily, there were 43 people - 39 passengers and four crew - on board. "Twelve people were injured," the spokesman said, adding they have been flown to a nearby hospital by helicopter.u00a0
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One person has died in hospital of his injuries, while four people are in critical condition, Russian media reported.u00a0
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Nearly 200 rescuers and 43 specialised vehicles are working at the scene. A criminal case has been launched into the accident.u00a0
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A plane from Moscow carrying psychologists and rescuers has left for Tyumen. The Emergencies Ministry has opened a hotline for the relatives of those onboard (8-800-775-17-17), in order to provide information and psychological assistance.u00a0
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The ATR-72 is a passenger twin-engine turboprop medium-haul airliner. It is designed for the transportation of up to 74 passengers at medium distances and is steered by two pilots.
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