13 dead as Russian warplane crashes into apartment building near Ukraine border

Russian news agencies have reported that at least 13 people died when a warplane crashed on Monday into a residential area in the Russian port city of Yeysk after suffering engine failure. 

The crash ignited a massive blaze that engulfed several floors of a nine-story apartment building.

"Rescuers have finished searching the rubble (...) A total of 13 people died, including three children, while 19 people were injured," the Emergency Situations Ministry said, quoted by Russian agencies.

The city is separated from occupied Russian territory in southern Ukraine by a narrow stretch of the Sea of Azov.

A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber came down after one of its engines caught fire during takeoff for a training mission, the Russian defence ministry said.

It is said both crew members bailed out safely, but the plane crashed into a residential area, causing a fire as tons of fuel exploded on impact.

Authorities said they reserved emergency rooms and operating halls at local hospitals and scrambled medical aircraft.

At least 17 apartments were said to have been affected by the fire, and about 100 were said to have been evacuated.

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the crash and ordered the ministers of health and emergencies, along with the local governor, to head to the site.

Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said emergency services were working to put out the fire.

(Source Euronews)