Russian Airplane Crashes Over Sinai In Egypt- 224 People Confirmed Dead

Another tragic airplane disaster, as a Russian passenger plane travelling from Sharm el-Sheik in Egypt to St Petersburg in Russia crashed in central Sinai.

The airplane, an Airbus A-321, lost contact with air traffic control barely an hour after take off. Initially presumed missing, the plane was later discovered to have crashed in central Sinai, killing all 224 people on board.

The plane was carrying 217 passengers, three Ukrainians and the rest Russian. Most were tourists returning back home, and the ship had seven crew members on board as well.

The wreckage of flight KGL9268 was discovered in the Hasana area, along with the plane’s black box. Retrieval of the bodies was carried out, with some found still strapped to their seats.

Sinai has an active militant network, and jihadists allied to the Islamic State claim they shot down the plane, according to the BBC. Russia’s Transport Minister denies that claim.

President Vladimir Putin has declared Sunday a day of national mourning, whilst an investigation is being launched into what might have caused the crash.

Two airlines, Air France and Lufthansa- have so far served notice they would not fly over the Sinai region until the cause of the crash is ascertained.