71 killed as Kyrgyztan plane crashes on takeoff

A PASSENGER plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Kyrgyzstan capital of Bishkek yesterday, claiming the lives of 71 people onboard, the health ministry said.

The Boeing-737, with 83 passengers and a seven-man crew, was en route to Iran when it went down near Bishkek’s Manas airport.

A spokeswoman for the Health Ministry, Yelena Bayalinova, told AFP: “There are currently 15 injured at Bishkek hospital, including two who are in intensive care.”

“More injured are being taken to hospital.”

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov said there were 15 foreigners among the passengers. including Iranians, Canadians and Chinese.

The plane belonged to Itek Air, a Kyrgyz company, but was operated by Iran Aseman Airlines.

Itek Air has been banned from operating in European Union airspace because of failure to meet safety and aviation standards, according to a list published in July.