Russian airline pledges to pay compensations to passengers of burnt-out plane

The Moscow-bound Tu-154M passenger jet was engulfed in flames after one of its engines caught fire as the plane taxied toward the runway in the Siberian city of Surgut. At least 3 people were killed and more than 40 were injured as a result of the accident.

"The Kogalymavia airline is providing help to passengers of the flight and is ready to pay compensations for health damage and luggage [lost as a result of the accident] in line with current laws," the company said in a statement.

Transport Minister Igor Levitin said on Saturday that the plane crew and airport officials have done their best to evacuate the passengers as soon as possible, however eyewitnesses said fire exits had been closed for a long time and the passengers had to jump out of the plane through flames.

Police have opened a criminal case over the accident, Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.

See www.en.rian.ru