Russian Defense Ministry plane crashes in Belgorod region

A Russian Defense Ministry plane crashed in Russia’s Belgorod region on Thursday, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported. According to local media, the aircraft was a Su-25.

“Investigators and emergency workers are currently working at the scene. The cause of the incident is still being determined. The situation is under control,” Gladkov wrote.

The Telegram channel Baza reported that the plane crashed near the village of Orekhovo and hit a hay barn, resulting in a fire. Other sources have reported that the plane caught on fire after hitting the ground directly.

The pilot did not survive. Baza reported that the pilot was ejected from the plane and was hospitalized but died soon after. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the pilot’s death.

The Defense Ministry also reported that the plane was returning to an air base in the Belgorod region and that the crash was the result of a mechanical failure.