4 killed after Russian warplane crashes near apartment building

A Russian warplane struck Monday into a residential area in a Russian city on the Sea of Azov after it suffered engine failure, killing at least four people and leaving six others missing following a massive blaze that engulfed some floors of a nine-story apartment building.

A Su-34 bomber came down in the port city of Yeysk when one of its engines caught fire during takeoff for a training mission, according to the Russian Defense Ministry said. It said both crew members bailed out safely, but the plane struck a residential area, leading to fire as tons of fuel exploded on impact.

At least four residents were killed, six were missing and twenty-five others were injured, including eight people who were in grave condition. The authorities reserved emergency rooms at regional hospitals and scrambled medical aircraft. At least 17 apartments were affected by the fire, and about 100 residents were evacuated and they were given temporary accommodations.

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the crash and dispatched the ministers of health and emergencies along with the regional governor to the site. Yeysk, a city of 90,000, is home to a big Russian air base.

After some hours of the crash, regional Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev said emergency services managed to contain the fire, making the evacuation of residents in adjacent buildings not necessary.