Iran Plane Crash: What We Know
On 8 January 2020, a Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing 737-800 crashed shortly after takeoff from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, Iran. All 176 passengers and crew on board were killed.
What Happened?
The plane took off from Tehran at 6:12 AM local time and was en route to Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv, Ukraine. Two minutes after takeoff, the plane disappeared from radar screens. The wreckage was later found scattered over a wide area near the village of Bidgeneh, about 25 kilometers west of Tehran.
Initial reports suggested that the plane had been shot down, but Iranian officials initially denied this. However, on 11 January, Iran’s military admitted that it had accidentally shot down the plane with a surface-to-air missile.
Who Was on Board?
The passengers and crew on board the plane were from a variety of countries, including Iran, Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Many of the passengers were students or researchers who were traveling to or from studies in Ukraine.
What’s Next?
The investigation into the plane crash is ongoing. Iranian authorities have said that they will cooperate with international investigators, but it is unclear how long the investigation will take.
The families of the victims have called for a full and transparent investigation. They have also demanded compensation from Iran for the loss of their loved ones.
What We Know
- A Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran on 8 January 2020.
- All 176 passengers and crew on board were killed.
- Iran’s military has admitted that it accidentally shot down the plane with a surface-to-air missile.
- The investigation into the plane crash is ongoing.
- The families of the victims have called for a full and transparent investigation and compensation from Iran.
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E. Thompson
