The death toll has risen to 13 after a Russian fighter plane crashed into a residential area in Yeysk, southern Russia. Russian authorities announced on Tuesday morning that three children were among them. On Monday evening, six people were killed after the crash of the Su-34 fighter jet, which is also used in the war against Ukraine. According to the pilot, who was able to escape from the cockpit, the machine was not shot down but crashed due to a technical defect.
The bodies were recovered by civil defense after the debris was cleared, the Moscow health ministry said. 19 people were injured. Four of the injured were taken to the Krasnodar Regional Hospital, the others were treated in Yeysk hospital. The injured received not only medical but also psychological help, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, who was himself in the city on the Sea of Azov, said that night.
Crashed shortly after takeoff
Shortly after takeoff, the Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bomber crashed next to an eight-storey apartment building, part of which was set on fire. According to the information, 72 apartments have been damaged.
The Ministry of Defense in Moscow has confirmed the crash. While taking off from a nearby air base, one of the two engines caught fire. The two men from the cockpit are said to have saved themselves with parachutes. President Vladimir Putin was informed of the crash. Civil Defense Minister Alexander Kurenkov and Health Minister Mikhail Murashko flew from Moscow to Yeysk.
Videos show fireball
Videos reportedly coming from the city showed a large explosion near the skyscraper. Then smaller explosions were heard. Part of the building caught fire up to the roof. According to official information, 400 rescuers managed to extinguish the fire by evening. The house is not in danger of collapsing. No one was injured at a nearby school.
Pilot: ‘Jet not shot down’
The Russian Defense Ministry said the machine was on a training flight. According to the rules, such flights take place without ammunition. However, the tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda interpreted the explosions in the sense that the machine was armed. The port city of Yeysk is so close to Ukraine that air strikes can be launched from there. The Su-34 was not shot down, but had a defect, according to a rescued pilot, according to the newspaper report.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
