Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he does not rule out that an issue of further exploitation of Tu-154 planes will be raised after the January 1 explosion onboard the ill-fated Russian passenger jet that burned down in Siberia.
A Tupolev Tu-154 airliner was engulfed in flames after one of its engines caught fire as the plane taxied down a runway and then exploded on Saturday afternoon at airport of the Siberian city of Surgut, killing three and injuring over 40 passengers. Most of the passengers and the crew were evacuated before the explosion.
Medvedev ordered a thoroughly investigation into the accident.
"Of course, it is necessary to investigate into the causes, because these aircrafts are not new, and if it is found that this is a common defect, then we need to think about further exploitation of this type of aircraft, or make necessary capital reconstruction of electricity supply systems," Medvedev said.
Technical failure or violation of fire safety rules are the likely causes of the crash, the Russian Investigation Committee said.
All of the three engines of the aircraft were operating when the blast occurred, the Interstate Aviation Committee announced Monday.
The jet was carrying 116 people, including nine children, eight crewmembers and ten specialists. Three passengers were killed in the accident and other 43 received injuries; 28 of those injured are still remaining in the hospitals of Surgut. One person is in critical condition.
The Investigation Committee said that DNA test would help identify those killed.
SOCHI, January 5 (RIA Novosti)
