Russian Defense Ministry Cargo Plane Crashes in Ivanovo Region

A Russian defense ministry cargo plane, identified as Ilyushin Il-76, crashed in the Ivanovo region, northeast of Moscow, with 15 people onboard, according to local media reports on Tuesday. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from an air base in western Russia. The defense minister stated that an engine fire during takeoff is believed to be the likely cause of the crash. The plane reportedly carried eight crew members and seven passengers. Videos posted on social media show the plane on fire just moments before crashing, and another video displays the aircraft with one engine on fire heading downwards.

There are no reported survivors, and further details are awaited. In a similar incident in January, a Russian IL-76 military transport aircraft crashed in the Belgorod region near the Russia-Ukraine border, resulting in the deaths of all 65 passengers onboard. Russia accused Ukraine of shooting down the plane and claimed that 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war were on board for a prisoner swap.