Russian plane bursts into flames mid-air on way to Ukraine

     

 

A Russian military plane burst into flames and crashed while on its way to Ukraine to support Vladimir Putin's invasion.

 

The Ilyushin-76 cargo plane was spotted on fire above the Russian city of Ryazan immediately after refueling there.

 

It made an emergency landing behind a busy residential tower, exploding as it touched down.

 

 

Nine crew members were onboard. At least four of them were killed with the rest in a "grave" condition after being rushed to hospital.

 

Three of those killed - Vladimir Petrushin, Nikolai Gorbunov, and Dmitry Andreev - died at the crash site, while a fourth died in hospital.

 

It is understood that there were no civilian casualties on the ground, despite the plane crashing close to both shops and residential areas.