Plane with 39 on board crashes in Siberia, all survive

  • 19/12/2016

A Russian Defence Ministry IL-18 aeroplane has crashed in Yakutia in Siberia, seriously injuring 16 people, according to local media.

The plane was carrying 32 passengers and seven crew when it went down in Russia's Bulun district.

Preliminary reports suggest the plane broke into three pieces on impact, but did not catch on fire.

Twenty-three people have been taken to regional health centres for treatment.

"The plane made an emergency landing at 4:45am (local time), 30 kilometres away from Tiksi," the Russian Defence Ministry said.

"The plane had been conducting a planned flight from the Kansk airbase. As a result of the accident, all passengers and crew members are alive."

Earlier reports said four or five people were likely to have survived.

Crew error and adverse weather conditions were to blame for the accident, Sputnik International reports.

Emergency Mi-8 helicopters have been sent to the crash site.

Newshub.