Russia: All causes for plane crash being eyed — including terror

Transportation minister says 'entire spectrum' of possibilities being considered for downing of aircraft carrying 92

By Agencies 25 December 2016, 7:55 pm
Russian rescue workers carry a body from the wreckage of the crashed plane, at a pier just outside Sochi, Russia, December 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Viktor Klyushin)

Russia’s transport minister said Sunday afternoon that investigators were looking into all possible causes for a Russian military plane crashing into the Black Sea with 92 people on board earlier in the day, including the option of a terror attack.

Earlier, a Russian official downplayed any suggestion of a terror attack. But minister Maxim Sokolov, after being asked if investigators are looking into a possible attack, said an “entire spectrum” of possible reasons was being considered.

He added it’s premature to speculate about the cause.

The Tu-154 plane belonging to the Defense Ministry crashed into the Black Sea two minutes after takeoff from the Russian city of Sochi. The plane was heading to Syria, carrying members of the world-famous Russian army choir to a New Year concert at the Russian military base.

This file photo taken on January 2, 2001 shows a Tupolev-154 (TU-154) aircraft. A Russian military Tu-154 plane crashed on December 25, 2016 in the Black Sea as it made its way to Syria with 91 people on board (AFP/Alexander Nemenov)

Earlier the ministry said there was no sign of survivors at the site, local news agencies reported.

In this photo taken on Thursday, March 31, 2016, the Alexandrov Ensemble choir performs during a concert in Moscow, Russia. A Russian plane with 92 people aboard, including the well-known military band, crashed into the Black Sea on its way to Syria on Sunday, Dec. 25, minutes after takeoff from the resort city of Sochi, the Defense Ministry said. (AP Photo)

“The site of the Tu-154 plane crash has been identified,” news agencies quoted the ministry as saying. “There is no sign of survivors.”

All aboard are believed to have died, and so far rescuers have recovered 10 bodies.

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