16 killed in plane crash in Russia's Siberia

Moscow, Apr 2: A Russian passenger plane with 43 people on board today crashed in Siberia killing at least 16 people, including children, an official said.

"Sixteen bodies have been found on the crash site," an Emergencies Ministry spokesman said. Children are reported among the victims.

The twin-engine ATR-72 plane bound from Tyumen to Surgut fell on takeoff. Preliminarily, there were 43 people - 39 passengers and four crew - on board.

"Twelve people were injured. They are being taken by helicopters to Tyumen's City Hospital," the spokesman said.

The survivors are said to have sustained serious injuries and burns. At least five of those injured are in critical condition, according to reports.

"The airplane crashed 30 kilometres away from Tyumen," spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations Irina Andrianova was quoted as saying by the Itar-Tass.

Rescuers are working at the crash site. A criminal case has been launched into the accident, Russian media reported.

ATR-72 is a passenger twin-engine turboprop medium-haul airliner. It is designed for the transportation of up to 74 passengers at medium distances and is steered by two pilots.

PTI