Technical failure or violation of fire safety rules are the likely causes of the January 1explosion onboard the ill-fated Russian passenger jet that burned down in Siberia, killing three and injuring over 40 passengers, the Russian Investigation Committee said.
A Tupolev Tu-154 airliner was engulfed in flames after one of its engines caught fire as the plane taxied down a runway and then exploded on Saturday afternoon at airport of the Siberian city of Surgut. Most of the passengers and the crew were evacuated before the explosion.
All of the three engines of the aircraft were operating when the blast occurred, the Interstate Aviation Committee announced Monday.
The jet was carrying 116 people, including nine children, eight crewmembers and ten specialists. Three passengers were killed in the accident and other 43 received injuries; 28 of those injured are still remaining in the hospitals of Surgut. One person is in critical condition.
The Investigation Committee said that DNA test would help identify those killed.
MOSOCW, January 3 (RIA Novosti)
