Russian plane crash kills 16

A plane carrying parachute jumpers crashed in the Russian region of Tatarstan yesterday due to possible failure of one of the engines, killing 16 people and injuring six.

The aircraft, which came down near the city of Menzelinsky, carried 20 parachutists and two crew members. The survivors were in a serious condition, the Health Ministry said.

The Let L-410 Turbolet twin-engine short-range transport aircraft was owned by an aeroclub in the city, the TASS news agency said. The Cosmonaut Training Facility, who train in the area, suspended ties with the club pending an investigation, the report added.

Russian aviation safety standards have been tightened in recent years but accidents continue to happen.

REUTERS