Dozens feared dead as FlyDubai plane crashes in Russia

According to Russian officials, a passenger plane from Dubai carrying at least 55 passengers crashed on landing in the city of Rostov-on-Don with preliminary reports by a representative of the region’s emergency ministry suggesting that survivors were unlikely.

The 55 passengers Boeing 737 plane operated by Emirati airline FlyDubai also had six crew members aboard the budget airline which is part of a new fleet of planes that started flying in mid-2009.

Russia’s state-run RT network tweeted a clip of what appeared to be a large explosion.

Read also: Russia: 23 die in psychiatric hospital fire

“We are aware of an incident involving our flight FZ981 from Dubai to Rostov On Don,” a FlyDubai spokesman said in a statement Al Jazeera.

“We are investigating further details and will publish an update once more information is available.”

The same statement also graced the front page of the air carrier’s website moments later, with Boeing tweeting that it was gathering more information.

It is believed to be the first time a FlyDubai plane has crashed.

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