EXPLOSIVE video has captured the moment one of Vlad’s nuke bombers plummets to the ground, bursting into flames in a humiliating blow.
The £93million Tu-22M3 aircraft cannoned down in the remote Irkutsk region, exploding into a giant fireball.
1
Four crew members ejected to evade disaster, but one of them died, according to reports.
He was believed to be a flight navigator.
The surviving trio were rushed to hospital.
The bomber – a type of plane used by Putin as a key plank in his nuclear arsenal – broke up in the sky before crashing amid fierce explosions.
Some reports suggested the crash was caused after the plane’s left engine failed.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said: “Specialists are now trying to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The Russians initially announced a “technical malfunction” was behind the aircraft’s dramatic descent, without elaborating further.
Kobzev added: “Work at the crash site of the military aircraft TU-22M3 continued all night.
“To my deep regret, one of the (crew) could not be saved.
“This information was provided by the military command of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
“Sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased…
“This is a truly great loss.”
the Tu-22M3 was on a “scheduled flight” but tumbled down into flames soon after takeoff.
Authorities have launched an urgent probe into what caused the crash.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
