At least 41 People Died in Aeroflot Crash Landing in Moscow

Guwahati: At least 41 people were killed who were on board a Russian passenger jet after the aircraft crash-landed at a Moscow airport on Sunday bursting into flames on impact which also includes two children.

The Aeroflot flight SU 1492 skidded down the runway at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow while its rear section set ablaze and spilling thick, black smoke.

Passengers who were on board escaped using emergency slides once the plane had come to a halt from the plane's two forward doors before running away from the burning aircraft.

According to reports, the Superjet 100 was flying from Moscow to Murmansk when an emergency on board forced it to turn back. The report also states that a loss of communication caused by a lightning strike had led to the decision to return to Sheremetyevo airport. However, no official cause has yet been provided for the disaster.

According to a spokeswoman of Russia's Investigative Committee Elena Markovskaya said that a total of 78 people were aboard the stricken flight including five crew members. Thirty-seven people survived out of which five are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

A video was posted on Instagram by a passenger who was waiting to depart Moscow which shows that fire crews were attending the scene as the aircraft sat in flames on the runway.

Moreover, Russia's unofficial national career published on Aeroflot published an incomplete list of 33 survivors which also includes the names of the five passengers hospitalized. In a statement, it also said that the aircraft was evacuated in 55 seconds compared to the industry norm of 90 seconds.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a thorough investigation on the airplane crash, said Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Peskov also said that all the instructions have been given to conduct the most thorough investigation and to carry out the necessary orders to find out the cause of this accident. He further said that Putin extends his deep condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones in this tragic incident.

The Investigative Committee of Russia has also launched a criminal probe into the incident and it routinely conducts investigations into major incidents with loss of life.

The airline further announced that it has activated its rapid response center headed by CEO Vitaly Saveliev.

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