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Version 19 Version 20
Russian plane crash: investigation into cause begins – as it happened Russian plane crash: investigation into cause begins – as it happened
(7 months later)
4.30pm GMT4.30pm GMT
16:3016:30
We’re wrapping up our live coverage of the plane crash. Here’s what we know:We’re wrapping up our live coverage of the plane crash. Here’s what we know:
Related: Russian plane crash: investigation begins into cause of A321 crash
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at 5.09pm GMTat 5.09pm GMT
4.14pm GMT4.14pm GMT
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Mokhtar Awad, an analyst with the Center for American Progress, tells the Guardian that the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility is quite vague.Mokhtar Awad, an analyst with the Center for American Progress, tells the Guardian that the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility is quite vague.
“It doesn’t state how they were able to ‘down’ the plane allegedly. Even the most sophisticated of portable surface-to-air missiles cannot reach that high an altitude and are only a threat during periods of take-off or landing, but the plane had already climbed to its target altitude (from what we know thus far) when it began to likely experience technical failures. The local affiliate, Wilayat Sinai, has been under some pressure over the past few months and may have jumped the gun on taking credit. Although there isn’t a precedent for such a spectacular lie about something they claim to have done, Islamic State itself has recently been embellishing more and more. For instance it claimed that the recent prison raid by Kurdish and US special forces were a total failure, when in fact video evidence surfaced showed them freeing the hostages. So this may be an instance of the rooster taking credit for the dawn.”“It doesn’t state how they were able to ‘down’ the plane allegedly. Even the most sophisticated of portable surface-to-air missiles cannot reach that high an altitude and are only a threat during periods of take-off or landing, but the plane had already climbed to its target altitude (from what we know thus far) when it began to likely experience technical failures. The local affiliate, Wilayat Sinai, has been under some pressure over the past few months and may have jumped the gun on taking credit. Although there isn’t a precedent for such a spectacular lie about something they claim to have done, Islamic State itself has recently been embellishing more and more. For instance it claimed that the recent prison raid by Kurdish and US special forces were a total failure, when in fact video evidence surfaced showed them freeing the hostages. So this may be an instance of the rooster taking credit for the dawn.”
3.41pm GMT3.41pm GMT
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Russian aviation regulator Rosaviatsia said it has not yet found any reason to blame the crash of the Russian airliner in Egypt on a technical failure, an error by the crew or external actions, RIA Novosti reports.Russian aviation regulator Rosaviatsia said it has not yet found any reason to blame the crash of the Russian airliner in Egypt on a technical failure, an error by the crew or external actions, RIA Novosti reports.
Until there is reliable evidence about the circumstances of what happened, there is no sense in putting forward and discussing any versions.Until there is reliable evidence about the circumstances of what happened, there is no sense in putting forward and discussing any versions.
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3.32pm GMT3.32pm GMT
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The Guardian’s reporter in Cairo Jahd Khalil analyses the burgeoning relationship between Russia and Egypt.The Guardian’s reporter in Cairo Jahd Khalil analyses the burgeoning relationship between Russia and Egypt.
Russians make up 19.7% of tourist arrivals to Egypt, the largest of any single country and 1.7 million were forecast to arrive in 2015 alone.Russians make up 19.7% of tourist arrivals to Egypt, the largest of any single country and 1.7 million were forecast to arrive in 2015 alone.
The Egyptian government has cancelled visa costs for Russian tourists to encourage more visitors, and there is also a currency deal between Russia and Egypt being discussed.The Egyptian government has cancelled visa costs for Russian tourists to encourage more visitors, and there is also a currency deal between Russia and Egypt being discussed.
Since President Sisi took power, relations between Russia and Egypt have grown closer and been lauded in Egyptian press.Since President Sisi took power, relations between Russia and Egypt have grown closer and been lauded in Egyptian press.
Biltaeral agreements included developing nuclear power in Egypt and a $3.5 billion arms deal, as Egypt seeks to diversify its arms suppliers beyond the United States.Biltaeral agreements included developing nuclear power in Egypt and a $3.5 billion arms deal, as Egypt seeks to diversify its arms suppliers beyond the United States.
Egypt also welcomed Russia’s latest intervention in Syria to support even as its Gulf allies, which have kept the Egyptian economy afloat with aid, vehemently opposed the Russian intervention.Egypt also welcomed Russia’s latest intervention in Syria to support even as its Gulf allies, which have kept the Egyptian economy afloat with aid, vehemently opposed the Russian intervention.
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at 3.40pm GMTat 3.40pm GMT
3.23pm GMT3.23pm GMT
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Islamic State claim 'not accurate' - RussiaIslamic State claim 'not accurate' - Russia
Russia’s transport minister Maksim Sokolov has said that the claim Islamic State militants brought down the plane “can’t be considered accurate”.Russia’s transport minister Maksim Sokolov has said that the claim Islamic State militants brought down the plane “can’t be considered accurate”.
Now in various media there is assorted information that the Russian [plane]... was supposedly shot down by an anti-aircraft missile, fired by terrorists.Now in various media there is assorted information that the Russian [plane]... was supposedly shot down by an anti-aircraft missile, fired by terrorists.
This information can’t be considered accurate.This information can’t be considered accurate.
Shadi Bushra, reporting for the Guardian in Cairo, has also spoken to Mohamed Samir, Egypt’s army spokesman, who also refuted the claim.Shadi Bushra, reporting for the Guardian in Cairo, has also spoken to Mohamed Samir, Egypt’s army spokesman, who also refuted the claim.
They can put out whatever statements they want but there is no proof at this point that terrorists were responsible for this plane crash.They can put out whatever statements they want but there is no proof at this point that terrorists were responsible for this plane crash.
We will know the true reasons when the civil aviation authority in coordination with Russian authorities completes its investigation.We will know the true reasons when the civil aviation authority in coordination with Russian authorities completes its investigation.
But the army sees no authenticity to their claims or their video.But the army sees no authenticity to their claims or their video.
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at 3.45pm GMTat 3.45pm GMT
3.12pm GMT3.12pm GMT
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Egypt’s prosecutor general has agreed to allow a Russian government agency to participate in investigating what caused the Russian passenger plane to crash, according to state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram.Egypt’s prosecutor general has agreed to allow a Russian government agency to participate in investigating what caused the Russian passenger plane to crash, according to state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram.
The North Sinai prosecution office has reportedly summoned air and ground traffic control officials for questioning over the incident, and ordered a technical team from the Civil Aviation Ministry to analyse the contents of the plane’s black box.The North Sinai prosecution office has reportedly summoned air and ground traffic control officials for questioning over the incident, and ordered a technical team from the Civil Aviation Ministry to analyse the contents of the plane’s black box.
Meanwhile, Russian investigators are searching the Moscow offices of Metrojet, the company that chartered the plane.Meanwhile, Russian investigators are searching the Moscow offices of Metrojet, the company that chartered the plane.
The Investigative Committee is questioning both Metrojet employees and also the St Petersburg-based Brisco tour agency that had contracted for the flight from the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg, said spokesman Vladimir Markin.The Investigative Committee is questioning both Metrojet employees and also the St Petersburg-based Brisco tour agency that had contracted for the flight from the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg, said spokesman Vladimir Markin.
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at 3.13pm GMTat 3.13pm GMT
3.00pm GMT3.00pm GMT
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This is the statement from a group claiming to be speaking on behalf of Islamic State, posted on their affiliate site, translated by our correspondent in Cairo, Jahd Khalil. It offers no evidence that the group brought down the plane, apart from their word.This is the statement from a group claiming to be speaking on behalf of Islamic State, posted on their affiliate site, translated by our correspondent in Cairo, Jahd Khalil. It offers no evidence that the group brought down the plane, apart from their word.
Breaking: Downing of Russian airplane, killing of more than 220 Russian crusaders on board.Breaking: Downing of Russian airplane, killing of more than 220 Russian crusaders on board.
Soldiers of the Caliphate were able to bring down a Russian plane above Sinai Province with at least 220 Russian crusaders aboard.Soldiers of the Caliphate were able to bring down a Russian plane above Sinai Province with at least 220 Russian crusaders aboard.
They were all killed, praise be to God. O Russians, you and your allies take note that you are not safe in Muslims lands or their skies.They were all killed, praise be to God. O Russians, you and your allies take note that you are not safe in Muslims lands or their skies.
The killing of dozens daily in Syria with bombs from your planes will bring woe to you. Just as you are killing others, you too will be killed, God willing.The killing of dozens daily in Syria with bombs from your planes will bring woe to you. Just as you are killing others, you too will be killed, God willing.
#Egypt #ISIS Claim Responsibility for shot down the Russian Aircraft over Sinai #IS #ISIL pic.twitter.com/tBCRt7Xen1#Egypt #ISIS Claim Responsibility for shot down the Russian Aircraft over Sinai #IS #ISIL pic.twitter.com/tBCRt7Xen1
Many experts have expressed scepticism that groups operating in Sinai have the capacity to bring down an airline from the height it was travelling.Many experts have expressed scepticism that groups operating in Sinai have the capacity to bring down an airline from the height it was travelling.
#ISIS claim re. #Russia airliner -- 3 possibilities: 1. False claim 2. Bomb on plane 3. ISIS [somehow] has advanced air defense missiles.#ISIS claim re. #Russia airliner -- 3 possibilities: 1. False claim 2. Bomb on plane 3. ISIS [somehow] has advanced air defense missiles.
#ISIS's claim of responsibility (if true) points to 2 possibility: Bomb inside plane, or the plane was shot down as it was trying to land#ISIS's claim of responsibility (if true) points to 2 possibility: Bomb inside plane, or the plane was shot down as it was trying to land
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at 3.42pm GMTat 3.42pm GMT
2.42pm GMT2.42pm GMT
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Islamic State-linked group 'claims responsibility' for crashIslamic State-linked group 'claims responsibility' for crash
A militant group affiliated to Islamic State in Egypt has claimed responsibility for bringing down the Russian passenger plane as it flew through Sinai peninsula on Saturday.A militant group affiliated to Islamic State in Egypt has claimed responsibility for bringing down the Russian passenger plane as it flew through Sinai peninsula on Saturday.
The claim was circulated by supporters on Twitter and also published on the Aamaq news website, which has previosuly been used on a semi-official basis by Islamic State to circulate propaganda.The claim was circulated by supporters on Twitter and also published on the Aamaq news website, which has previosuly been used on a semi-official basis by Islamic State to circulate propaganda.
There is no confirmation from any other sources that the plane crashed as a result of terrorist activity - and Egyptian officials were quick to rule that out as a cause of the crash earlier this morning.There is no confirmation from any other sources that the plane crashed as a result of terrorist activity - and Egyptian officials were quick to rule that out as a cause of the crash earlier this morning.
A report in July by military expert IHS Janes said Islamic State affiliate group Wilayat Sinai had propaganda videos in which militants are seen with a type of man-portable air defence systems (SA-18 Igla MANPADS), which can reach about 10,000 feet.A report in July by military expert IHS Janes said Islamic State affiliate group Wilayat Sinai had propaganda videos in which militants are seen with a type of man-portable air defence systems (SA-18 Igla MANPADS), which can reach about 10,000 feet.
The airliner was said to be travelling at least 31,000 feet, before it made a steep descent as it crashed.The airliner was said to be travelling at least 31,000 feet, before it made a steep descent as it crashed.
MANPADS wouldn't be able to get close to a jet at 30,000+ feet, their flight ceiling is closer to 10,000 feet https://t.co/e3cJOREP0EMANPADS wouldn't be able to get close to a jet at 30,000+ feet, their flight ceiling is closer to 10,000 feet https://t.co/e3cJOREP0E
@GebeilyM Reported altitude was 11,000 m -- if correct, way too high for a MANPAD.@GebeilyM Reported altitude was 11,000 m -- if correct, way too high for a MANPAD.
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at 3.53pm GMTat 3.53pm GMT
2.24pm GMT2.24pm GMT
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Russia’s Investigative Committee said on Saturday it was checking fuel samples from the airliner’s last refuelling stop, in the Russian city of Samara, news agency RIA Novosti reported.Russia’s Investigative Committee said on Saturday it was checking fuel samples from the airliner’s last refuelling stop, in the Russian city of Samara, news agency RIA Novosti reported.
Spokesman Vladimir Markin said investigators are questioning people who were involved in preparing the aircraft and its crew and are carrying out searches at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport where the airline that operated the plane is based.Spokesman Vladimir Markin said investigators are questioning people who were involved in preparing the aircraft and its crew and are carrying out searches at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport where the airline that operated the plane is based.
2.21pm GMT2.21pm GMT
14:2114:21
Passengers at St Petersburg airport on Saturday morning who had been due to fly out to Egypt on holiday with Moscow-based tour operator Brisco, have said their plane has failed to show up.Passengers at St Petersburg airport on Saturday morning who had been due to fly out to Egypt on holiday with Moscow-based tour operator Brisco, have said their plane has failed to show up.
“Nobody came out to talk to us yet, we don’t know what plane we’ll be on,” a passenger called Anzhelika told the Rossiya-24 channel.“Nobody came out to talk to us yet, we don’t know what plane we’ll be on,” a passenger called Anzhelika told the Rossiya-24 channel.
“If it’s Kogalymavia, we don’t want to fly.”“If it’s Kogalymavia, we don’t want to fly.”
No representative of the airline could be found at the airport and nobody at the company was answering the phones, AFP reported.No representative of the airline could be found at the airport and nobody at the company was answering the phones, AFP reported.
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at 2.22pm GMTat 2.22pm GMT
1.54pm GMT1.54pm GMT
13:5413:54
An initial examination of the crash site does show the Russian passenger plane crashed in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula due to a technical fault, security sources in North Sinai have told Reuters.An initial examination of the crash site does show the Russian passenger plane crashed in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula due to a technical fault, security sources in North Sinai have told Reuters.
About 150 bodies has so far been found, within roughly a three mile radius from the crashed aircraft.About 150 bodies has so far been found, within roughly a three mile radius from the crashed aircraft.
The plane, he said, landed in a “vertical fashion” and had caught fire.The plane, he said, landed in a “vertical fashion” and had caught fire.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.02pm GMTat 2.02pm GMT
1.44pm GMT1.44pm GMT
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Russian transport regulator had found previous plane safety faultsRussian transport regulator had found previous plane safety faults
Safety violations were identified during the last routine inspection of the Kogalymavia airline, which operated the crashed jets, according to Russian state transport regulator Rostransnadzor.Safety violations were identified during the last routine inspection of the Kogalymavia airline, which operated the crashed jets, according to Russian state transport regulator Rostransnadzor.
But after the March 2014 inspection, the airline successfully remedied the breaches, within the deadlines it had been set, the Interfax news agency reported.But after the March 2014 inspection, the airline successfully remedied the breaches, within the deadlines it had been set, the Interfax news agency reported.
1.41pm GMT1.41pm GMT
13:4113:41
Ian BlackIan Black
The Guardian’s Middle East editor Ian Black has forwarded this statement from the office of Egypt’s President Sisi, saying he has been receiving regular updates as investigators assess the cause of the crash.The Guardian’s Middle East editor Ian Black has forwarded this statement from the office of Egypt’s President Sisi, saying he has been receiving regular updates as investigators assess the cause of the crash.
The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt offers its sincere condolences to the leadership, government and people of Russia as well as the families of the victims of the Russian plane crash that took place near Al-Hasana City in Sinai.The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt offers its sincere condolences to the leadership, government and people of Russia as well as the families of the victims of the Russian plane crash that took place near Al-Hasana City in Sinai.
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is following developments and is in contact with Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and other senior officials, who have headed to the crash site.President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is following developments and is in contact with Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and other senior officials, who have headed to the crash site.
The President instructed the investigation committee, formed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to swiftly carry out its mission and identify the reasons that led to the accident.The President instructed the investigation committee, formed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to swiftly carry out its mission and identify the reasons that led to the accident.
This is in addition to coordinating efforts with the relevant Russian authorities.This is in addition to coordinating efforts with the relevant Russian authorities.
The Presidency is closely following the situation with members of the crisis management team, headed by the prime minister and that includes the ministers of civil aviation, tourism, interior, social solidarity, health and population, local development, and representatives from the ministry of defence and foreign affairs.The Presidency is closely following the situation with members of the crisis management team, headed by the prime minister and that includes the ministers of civil aviation, tourism, interior, social solidarity, health and population, local development, and representatives from the ministry of defence and foreign affairs.
The Presidency receives regular reports on the latest developments.The Presidency receives regular reports on the latest developments.
1.35pm GMT1.35pm GMT
13:3513:35
A friend of Viktoria Sevryukova, 24, who was on the Metrojet passenger list published by the Association of Tour Operators, has been speaking to the Guardian’s Alec Luhn.A friend of Viktoria Sevryukova, 24, who was on the Metrojet passenger list published by the Association of Tour Operators, has been speaking to the Guardian’s Alec Luhn.
Sevryukova had posted Instagram photographs of herself relaxing on the beach with friends in Sharm el-Sheikh, as well as one departing from St Petersburg airport.Sevryukova had posted Instagram photographs of herself relaxing on the beach with friends in Sharm el-Sheikh, as well as one departing from St Petersburg airport.
Sevryukova’s friend Yevgenia Beryozina said that she felt “emptiness” and still couldn’t believe the news.Sevryukova’s friend Yevgenia Beryozina said that she felt “emptiness” and still couldn’t believe the news.
“She was my best friend, she had waited for this trip like I don’t know what,” Beryozina said.“She was my best friend, she had waited for this trip like I don’t know what,” Beryozina said.
“And now she’s gone. Just like that she’s gone.”“And now she’s gone. Just like that she’s gone.”
Beryozina described Sevrukova as “positive, smart and sociable” and that “everything was just starting to work out” in her life. “It’s just not fair,” she said of the accident.Beryozina described Sevrukova as “positive, smart and sociable” and that “everything was just starting to work out” in her life. “It’s just not fair,” she said of the accident.
The two had chatted online before Sevryukova left the Red Sea resort, and she had said she wanted to return there in the future, Beryozina said.The two had chatted online before Sevryukova left the Red Sea resort, and she had said she wanted to return there in the future, Beryozina said.
1.29pm GMT1.29pm GMT
13:2913:29
Jahd Khalil, a reporter for the Guardian in Cairo, reports that Egypt’s prime minister and a group of other ministers arrived at an airport in Suez to visit the scene of the crash, along with the commander of the country’s airforce.Jahd Khalil, a reporter for the Guardian in Cairo, reports that Egypt’s prime minister and a group of other ministers arrived at an airport in Suez to visit the scene of the crash, along with the commander of the country’s airforce.
Medical teams are now in the process of identifying all of the bodies from the crash.Medical teams are now in the process of identifying all of the bodies from the crash.
1.18pm GMT1.18pm GMT
13:1813:18
Family members of Russian passengers believed to be on board a plane that crashed in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula can be seen arriving Pulkovo airport in St Petersburg in this video to receive the latest news.Family members of Russian passengers believed to be on board a plane that crashed in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula can be seen arriving Pulkovo airport in St Petersburg in this video to receive the latest news.
Friends and relatives of those on the Metrojet flight are being directed to a nearby airport hotel, and Russian authorities said counsellors are in attendance.Friends and relatives of those on the Metrojet flight are being directed to a nearby airport hotel, and Russian authorities said counsellors are in attendance.
Yulia Zaitseva said her friends, a newlywed couple named Elena Rodina and Alexqander Krotov, both aged 33, were on the flight.Yulia Zaitseva said her friends, a newlywed couple named Elena Rodina and Alexqander Krotov, both aged 33, were on the flight.
Her friend “really wanted to go to Egypt, though I told her ‘why the hell do you want to go to Egypt?’” Zaitseva told AP.Her friend “really wanted to go to Egypt, though I told her ‘why the hell do you want to go to Egypt?’” Zaitseva told AP.
“We were friends for 20 years. She was a very good friend who was ready to give everything to other people.“We were friends for 20 years. She was a very good friend who was ready to give everything to other people.
“To lose such a friend is like having your hand cut off.”“To lose such a friend is like having your hand cut off.”
She said Rodina’s parents feel “like their lives are over.”She said Rodina’s parents feel “like their lives are over.”
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at 1.19pm GMTat 1.19pm GMT
1.13pm GMT1.13pm GMT
13:1313:13
Airbus said the A321-200 that crashed on Saturday was 18 years old and had been operated by the Russian airline since 2012.Airbus said the A321-200 that crashed on Saturday was 18 years old and had been operated by the Russian airline since 2012.
It had made almost 21,000 flights and accrued about 56,000 flight hours.It had made almost 21,000 flights and accrued about 56,000 flight hours.
The plane manufacturer said it would provide full technical assistance to the authorities investigating the crash.The plane manufacturer said it would provide full technical assistance to the authorities investigating the crash.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.14pm GMTat 1.14pm GMT
1.07pm GMT1.07pm GMT
13:0713:07
US officials have offered their condolences to Russia and the families of the crash victims.US officials have offered their condolences to Russia and the families of the crash victims.
Secretary of State John Kerry said:Secretary of State John Kerry said:
We don’t know any details about it, but obviously the initial reports represent tremendous tragedy, loss, and we extend our condolences to the families and all those concerned.We don’t know any details about it, but obviously the initial reports represent tremendous tragedy, loss, and we extend our condolences to the families and all those concerned.
He was speaking during a visit to the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan.He was speaking during a visit to the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan.
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at 1.21pm GMTat 1.21pm GMT
12.58pm GMT12.58pm GMT
12:5812:58
AFP reports that 15 bodies have been transferred to a morgue in Cairo.AFP reports that 15 bodies have been transferred to a morgue in Cairo.
Medical and security sources have now also told the Reuters news agency that there are no survivors of the crash.Medical and security sources have now also told the Reuters news agency that there are no survivors of the crash.
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at 1.16pm GMTat 1.16pm GMT