A passenger plane has crashed shortly after take-off from Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, killing a large number of those on board.
A passenger plane has crashed shortly after take-off from Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, killing 68 out of the 90 passengers and crew.
The head of Kyrgyzstan's civil aviation authority said that out of about 90 passengers and crew, only about 20 people have survived.
There were 51 foreigners on board, including Iranians and Canadians.
The Itek Air Boeing 737 took off bound for Mashhad, in north-eastern Iran, but turned round some 10 minutes later.
The Itek Air Boeing 737 took off bound for Iran, but turned round some 10 minutes later.
An airport spokeswoman said the crew had reported a technical problem.
An airport spokeswoman said the crew had reported a technical problem, and the plane crashed not far from the airport and caught fire.
The plane was returning to Bishkek airport but crashed before it could land, the spokeswoman said.
Ambulances and fire-fighting equipment from the nearby US air at Manas, 30km (20 miles) from Bishkek, were despatched to help with the rescue effort.
Officials from a nearby US base said they were trying to help with the rescue effort.
"At the moment rescue teams, fire brigades and medics are rushing to the crash site," a spokeswoman for the US air base located in Manas, 30km (20 miles) from Bishkek, told Russia's RIA news agency.
Uncertainty
Uncertainty
There was confusion over the number of people on board - with reports ranging from 83 to 123.
There were initially reports that the plane was flying to Mashhad in northeastern Iran, but later officials said it had been due to fly to the capital, Tehran.
They were understood to include a Kyrgyz school basketball team.
Itek Air is one of the many airlines banned from the EU
Prime Minister Igor Chudinov said 51 of the passengers were foreigners, including people from China, Turkey, Iran and Canada.
Prime Minister Igor Chudinov said 51 of the passengers were foreigners, including people from China, Turkey, Iran and Canada.
It was not clear what had caused the plane to crash.
There were also 17 members of a school sport team from Bishkek on board, seven of whom survived.
The prime minister said the pilot had survived, but "it is difficult to talk to him right now".
The prime minister said that the crew had reported a sudden depressurization on board the plane.
"The plane took off and then it lost pressure," said Mr Chudinov.
It crashed at 2040 (1440GMT).
Airport employees said the fuselage of the plane was destroyed by flames and only the tail remained intact.
Airport employees said the fuselage of the plane was destroyed by flames and only the tail remained intact.
Yelena Bayalinova, spokeswoman for the Kyrgyz health ministry, told the Interfax news agency that many victims of the crash had suffered burns, and that some were in critical condition.
Yelena Bayalinova, spokeswoman for the Kyrgyz health ministry, told the Interfax news agency that many victims of the crash had suffered burns, and that some were in critical condition.
The plane belonged to Itek Air, a Kyrgyz company, but was reportedly operated by Iran Aseman Airlines.
Itek Air is one of the many airlines banned from the EU
The plane belonged to Itek Air, a Kyrgyz company, but there were reports that it was being operated by Iran Aseman Airlines.
However, Iranian and Kyrgyz official said the plane was both owned and operated by Itek Air.
Itek Air is on a list of airlines banned from EU airspace because of fears over safety standards.
Itek Air is on a list of airlines banned from EU airspace because of fears over safety standards.
/>
Prime Minister Chudinov said the plane had been made in 1979 and was "in good condition and had an extended warranty".
Are you in the area? Did you witness the crash?
Send your comments using the post form below, or text 00 44 7725 800 100.
In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
