Russian Nuclear-Capable Bomber Crashes In Flames During Training Flight, 6 Killed
Moscow: Six crew members were killed after a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed shortly after taking off for a training flight in the far eastern Amur region on Tuesday, Russia’s Defence Ministry said.
The aircraft, which is capable of carrying nuclear weapons, was reportedly flying without an ammunition load at the time of the incident.
According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the bomber was taking part in a routine training flight when it went down in an uninhabited area of the Amur region.
“On September 29, a Tu-95 aircraft crashed in the Amur region during a training flight. The aircraft went down in an uninhabited area,” the ministry said.
Seven crew members were aboard the aircraft. Six died in the crash, while one survived and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Crash Captured On Camera
Unverified video footage circulating online appears to show the aircraft going down, followed by a large fire and thick smoke rising from the crash site.
Loud booming and crackling sounds can also be heard in the footage.
The Tu-95MS is a long-range strategic bomber used by Russia as part of its military aviation fleet. The aircraft is nuclear-capable and is also used for military exercises and training missions.
The Defence Ministry said the aircraft was not carrying an ammunition load during the flight.
The crash occurred in an uninhabited area, according to Russian authorities, limiting the immediate risk to people on the ground.
Further details about what caused the crash have not yet been released.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
