Flydubai jet crashes in Russia’s Rostov-on-Don, kills 62 people

MOSCOW/DUBAI, Mar 21 (PRIME) -- A Boeing 737-800 belonging to air carrier Flydubai crashed during landing in Russia’s Rostov-on-Don on March 19 at 3:42 a.m., local time, killing 55 passengers and seven crew, according to a statement of the Russian Emergency Ministry.

The accident could occur due to a technical failure, difficult weather conditions, as well as an error of the crew, the Investigative Committee said, adding that it is considering three versions of the crash. Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said that the company fully trusts Russian authorities in investigation of the reasons for the catastrophe and will coordinate all investigative activities.

The landing conditions were appropriate, he said, defending the crew’s decision to land, while planes of other companies rescheduled flights.

The landing strip in the Rostov-on-Don airport is planned to be relaunched at 8:00 a.m., Moscow time on Monday.

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