The Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan has observed a day of mourning on Tuesday after a plane crash killed at least 37 people the day before.
The four-engine cargo jet, a Boeing 747-400 operated by Turkish company ACT Airlines, was traveling from Hong Kong to Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, when it crashed while attempting to land in foggy weather.
The plane missed the runway and plowed into more than a dozen residential buildings near the airport.
The vast majority of the victims were local residents on the ground.
Flags flew at half-mast throughout the country for the day of mourning. Cultural establishments closed, and TV and radio companies halted broadcasting, according to report.
Kyrgyzstan’s Emergency Situations Ministry reported on its website that the bodies of all four flight crew members had been found.
Kabar published a list of 37 victims, based on information from Kyrgyzstan’s Health Ministry.
The list only included three flight crew members, so the official death toll could increase.
ACT Airlines, which also operates under the name My Cargo, said there was insurance to cover all damages.
Kyrgyz authorities believe pilot error was the most probable cause of the crash.
The plane’s black box for recording the conversations of crew members was found and sent to Moscow for analysis.
Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet state, maintains close ties with Russia. (dpa/NAN)
