Strategic Bomber Crash in Siberia: Crew Ejects Safely

A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in Siberia's Irkutsk region during a training flight, safely ejecting its four-member crew. The Soviet-era supersonic bomber, known as 'Backfire' by NATO, is capable of carrying hypersonic missiles. Preliminary investigation suggests engine failure as the cause of the crash.

A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in Siberia's Irkutsk region during a training flight on Monday, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Fortunately, the plane's four-person crew managed to safely eject.

The Tu-22, a Soviet-era supersonic bomber known as 'Backfire' by NATO, is capable of carrying hypersonic 'Kinzhal' missiles and has been used in combat missions in Syria and Ukraine. Unverified social media footage showed the aircraft nosediving into a densely wooded area by the Angara river, causing a large smoke column.

The Interfax news agency reported via the Defence Ministry that there is no threat to the pilots' lives or health, and no damage was reported on the ground as the aircraft was not carrying a combat load. Irkutsk's governor, Igor Kobzev, confirmed that the plane crashed near the village of Kamenka and that fire crews were working to douse the resulting blaze. Preliminary information suggests engine failure as the cause of the incident.