Dozens Killed in Passenger Plane Crash in Russia

Russian government officials say a FlyDubai Boeing 737 crashed on Saturday, March 20, while landing at Rostov-on-Don airport in southern Russia. The TASS news agency reported, citing a government official, that all passengers on board the aircraft were killed. Reports indicate that the plane was en route from Dubai to Rostov-on-Don with 55 passengers and seven crew members. According to Reuters, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations also confirmed that all 62 occupants of the Boeing were killed in the incident. Russian media reported that the plane crashed near the airport runway. The main two hypotheses are 'technical failure or pilot error.' The cause of the crash has not yet been officially announced, but preliminary reports from some local media suggest that the crash was due to insufficient visibility. However, Interfax news agency, citing a source in the Russian emergency service, emphasized that terrorism is not among the possible causes of the incident. This news agency also referenced a member of the crash investigation committee who stated that pilot error or technical failure are the most likely reasons for the crash. Oksana Kuryzhinaya told the news agency that 'currently, two main hypotheses are under investigation: pilot error in communication affected by adverse weather conditions, or technical failure.' Boeing officials stated they are aware of reports regarding the crash. Meanwhile, TASS reported that experts from the UAE, the US, and France will join the crash investigation committee for cooperation. According to CNN, the plane crashed at 3:50 AM on Saturday. Meanwhile, reports of a fire or explosion on the plane have emerged, but Russian officials have not yet confirmed or denied these reports. It is said that all flights to this city have been redirected to other locations. Russian media also reported that nearly 100 rescuers have arrived at the crash site.