Aeroflot jet crashlands, killing 41 passengers in Russia

SHEREMETYEVO, Russia – Aeroflot, a Russian commercial plane today burst into flames, moments after it crashlanded on the runway at Sheremetyevo, killing 41 people on board. There were 73 people aboard the plane and five crew members, making 78. See manifest here.

The plane, a Sukhoi Superjet 100, took off from Moscow on Sunday evening and was heading towards Murmansk in northwest Russia.Thirty- three people survived the crash. The plane has published a list of all 33 passengers who survived Aeroflot Flight 1492 here. The plane has also promised to pay compensation families of the deceased.

“Aeroflot will pay compensation to all passengers and to the families of those who lost their lives on flight SU1492 Moscow-Murmansk. Payments will start on 7 May 2019. Passengers of flight SU1492 who did not require hospitalisation will receive RUB 1 million. Those who sought medical assistance following the incident on 5 May 2019 will receive RUB 2 million”, Aeroflot said, adding that applications for compensation can be made at Aeroflot’s offices in Murmansk and Moscow.

“Relatives of passengers who lost their lives will receive RUB 5 million per family member. To receive compensation relatives can call 8(800)333-0-999. This compensation will be paid by Aeroflot on top of standard insurance payments provided for by Federal Law No. 67 (dated 18.12.2018). The hotline for relatives of passengers on flight SU1492: +7-495-663-6394”, the airline said.

In a condolence message, Aeroflot said it is extending its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives on flight SU1492 Moscow-Murmansk”, it said, adding that the crew did everything in its power to save passenger lives and provide emergency assistance to those involved.

“Tragically, they were unable to save all of those aboard. Our thoughts and hearts are with those who have suffered an unspeakable loss. We mourn with you”, the airline said.

Managment of Aeroflot has set up a commission chaired by Transport Minister Evgeny Ditrich to investigate the incident involving an Aeroflot aircraft operating flight SU1492 from Moscow to Murmansk. Representatives of the Investigative Committee and the Emergency Situations Ministry are at the scene. Aeroflot has also activated its rapid response centre, headed by CEO Vitaly Saveliev.

The airline’s management has decided to fly relatives of passengers affected on flight SU1492 (Moscow-Murmansk) to Moscow without charge.

“The crew of the Aeroflot aircraft, which took off today(Sunday) from Moscow for Murmansk and was forced to return to Sheremetyevo airport due to technical reasons, did everything possible to save passengers. The aircraft was evacuated in 55 seconds, compared to the industry norm of 90 seconds. The captain was the last to leave the burning aircraft”, it said, adding that the Superjet 100 aircraft was carrying 73 passengers and five crew members.

It added, “Malfunctions on board the aircraft, which was operating flight SU1492 from Moscow to Murmansk, were detected shortly after takeoff. The crew was forced to request an emergency return to the airport. The engines caught fire after landing at Sheremetyevo; the fire was swiftly extinguished. Passengers left the aircraft via the emergency exits. Emergency medical assistance is being provided to all those in need.”, the airline said.

The two black boxes have been recovered and investigation underway to find out the cause, the plane said.