A very “strange” Christmas it was. All 92 passengers onboard a Russian military plane have been confirmed dead after the aircraft crashed into the Black Sea on Sunday – Christmas day.
Remains of the victims were said to have been recovered.
According to the BBC, the Tu-154 was said to be conveying soldiers, reporters and 64 members of the famed Alexandrov military music ensemble who were to perform for Russian troops.
The flight had originated in Moscow and landed at Adler airport in Sochi for refuelling.
The plane was said to have disappeared from the radar two minutes after taking off from Sochi at 05.25 (02.25 GMT), heading for Latakia in Syria.
An audio recording played on Russian media and said to be the final conversation between air traffic controllers and the pilot reveals no sign of any difficulties being faced by the crew.
Voices remain calm until the plane disappears and the controllers try in vain to re-establish contact.
Reports from the area said flying conditions were favourable.
President Vladimir Putin had said Monday would be a day of national mourning.
Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said, “No survivors have been spotted.”
Konashenkov said the plane was last serviced in September and had undergone more substantial repairs in December 2014. It had an “experienced” pilot.
President Putin has ordered a state commission to look into the crash and sent his condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
Among those on board was a popular woman, Elizaveta Glinka, known as Dr. Liza, the executive director of the Fair Aid charity and the inaugural winner of Russia’s state prize for achievements in human rights.
May the souls of the departed find eternal rest. Amen!
