A Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashed in the Cheremkhovsky district of the Irkutsk region, according to reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense and Lenta.
A Super Sonic Bomber
Before the crash, witnesses heard explosions and saw the aircraft engulfed in flames. Tatiana, a local resident who observed the incident from the city of Cheremkhovo, described the terrifying scene: "The plane was visible, there were sounds of some explosions, and it was burning brightly, emitting sparks."
The Tu-22M3 is a long-range supersonic bomber developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Known for its variable-sweep wings and powerful engines, the Tu-22M3 has been a cornerstone of Russia's strategic bomber force.
It is primarily used for carrying out long-range strikes, capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads. The aircraft has been in service since the 1980s and has undergone several upgrades to enhance its combat capabilities.
Crew Ejected Safely
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the bomber’s crew managed to eject safely before the aircraft went down in an uninhabited area, avoiding any casualties or damage on the ground. The preliminary cause of the crash is believed to be a technical malfunction, though further details have not been disclosed.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev noted that the crew deliberately steered the plane away from residential areas before ejecting. All crew members have been located and are receiving medical care, with no reported threats to their lives or health.
This incident follows a recent crash of a Su-34 fighter jet in the Volgograd region, where the aircraft also went down in an uninhabited area during a routine training flight. The Ministry of Defense has not revealed any further information about either accident, but both are under investigation.
