41 feared dead as plane bursts into flames during emergency landing in Moscow

At least 41 people are feared dead after an SSJ-100 passenger plane en route to the northwestern Russian city of Murmansk, made an emergency landing and burst into flames at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow.

Videos on social media show passengers using emergency exit slides to escape the burning Aeroflot aircraft.

“According to our data, more than 10 victims needed medical care,” Tass news agency quoted a source in the medical services as saying.”

Two children and a flight attendant were among the dead, Russian media reports.

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One witness said it was a “miracle” anyone escaped the jet, which was carrying 78 passengers and five crew.

Aeroflot, Russia’s national carrier, in a statement said the plane was forced to return to the airport “for technical reasons”, but did not elaborate.

The crew issued a distress signal when “malfunctions” occurred shortly after departure. After making an emergency landing at the airport, the plane’s engines caught fire on the runway.

The crew “did everything to save the passengers,” who were evacuated in 55 seconds, the firm said.

The Russian Investigative Committee have so far been able to account for 37 people out of the 78 on board the Superjet-100.

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