Boss of oil giant Total killed in plane crash

The boss of French oil giant Total has been killed in a crash at a Russian airport.

Christophe de Margerie, 63, and three crew members, all French citizens, died when Mr De Margerie’s corporate jet collided with a snow removal machine during take-off at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, Russia’s Tass news agency said.

Airport officials said the collision happened at 11.57pm yesterday, Moscow time.

The French-made Falcon 50 business jet, which was heading to France, struck the snow vehicle during take-off. Airport officials said visibility at the time was 350 metres – 1,150 feet. The driver of the snow machine was unhurt.

Mr de Margerie rose through the ranks at Total to become chief executive in 2007.