An Aeroflot Superjet 100 (MSN 95135) aircraft has been involved in an accident in Moscow on 5 May 2019.
The airline released a statement explaining that the flight SU1492 Moscow-Murmansk was forced to return to Sheremetyevo Airport soon after departure due to “technical reasons”. Aeroflot said the crew made a request for an urgent return to the airport and after landing the aircraft’s engines caught fire.
The Superjet 100 was carrying 73 passengers and five crew members. According to reports, 41 people were killed, while the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has said 37 people were evacuated (33 passengers and four crew members).
In a statement on its website, Aeroflot said: “Aeroflot extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives on flight SU1492 Moscow-Murmansk. The crew did everything in its power to save passenger lives and provide emergency assistance to those involved. Tragically, they were unable to save all of those aboard.
“Our thoughts and hearts are with those who have suffered an unspeakable loss. We mourn with you.”
The airline said the evacuation was carried out in 55 seconds, “with the industry standard of 90 seconds.”
The airport also released a statement reading: “Sheremetyevo International Airport together with Aeroflot with deep regret confirm the information about the death of passengers of flight SU1492 as a result of an accident with the aircraft on May, 5 at Sheremetyevo Airport.”
A commission has been established under the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Evgeny Dietrick, to investigate the accident. Representatives of the Investigative Committee off the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia are working at the site.
The operational headquarters of Aeroflot, headed by the company’s general director Vitaly Savelyev, is also functioning and the Aeroflot crisis headquarters was quickly assembled.
The airline published an “incomplete” list of the surviving passengers of the SU1492 Moscow-Murmansk flight to its website.
