Six killed as Tu-95 crashes during training flight in Russia’s Amur PHOTO/VIDEO/UPDATED

A Tu-95 military aircraft crashed in Russia’s Amur region during a training flight, killing six crew members and injuring another, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

The aircraft was flying without weapons on board, according to the ministry.

The crash occurred near the village of Krasnoyarovo shortly after the aircraft took off from Ukrainka airfield, Russian newspaper Kommersant reported. A preliminary investigation points to a technical malfunction as the possible cause of the crash.

Russian authorities have opened a criminal case under Article 351 of the Russian Criminal Code, which concerns violations of flight rules or regulations governing flight preparation.

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Telegram channels are circulating a theory that the aircraft that crashed was a Tu-95MS strategic bomber, based on an analysis of photographs showing the wreckage.

ASTRA reported on the claim.

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A military aircraft crashed in the village of Krasnoyanovo in Russia’s Amur region, killing three of the seven military personnel on board, according to Supernova+.

Four other people were hospitalised following the crash. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation.

The type of aircraft and the purpose of the flight have not been disclosed. 

Earlier, footage circulated online showing a large fire in the distance, reportedly at the site of the crash. A voice in the video can be heard saying that a military serviceman named Vadik was involved and that the aircraft had crashed.

By Sabina Mammadli