MOSCOW – A Russian plane made an emergency landing and burst into flames after takeoff from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport killing 41 people including two children and a flight attendant.
Passengers used emergency exit slides to escape the burning Aeroflot aircraft.
Survivors said the plane was struck by lightning, but Russia’s national carrier said it returned to the airport for technical reasons.
The jet had 73 passengers and five crew members.
Initial reports suggested the plane landed on fire, but Interfax said the jet caught fire after a very bumpy landing.
The agency added the crew lost contact with air traffic controllers and decided it was dangerous to dump fuel over Moscow.
An official said there were 37 survivors – 33 passengers and four crew members.
Five people were in a hospital.
One witness said it was a “miracle” anyone escaped. (BBC)
