Russian strategic bomber crashes – MOD

A Tupolev Tu-22M3 supersonic long-range bomber belonging to Russia's Air Force has crashed over the country's southern Stavropol region, the Defense Ministry reported on Friday.

The incident, thought to have been caused by a technical failure,  occurred as the aircraft was returning to its home base after a combat mission. It was not carrying munitions at the time of the crash.

One member of the crew was killed and two ejected to safety, regional governor Vladimir Vladimirov reported. A fourth crew member remains unaccounted for.

Several videos are circulating online that purport to show the moment of the crash. A Tu-22 can be seen in them spiraling in the air and falling down, with fire erupting from its tail section.

The Ukrainian military has claimed its air defenses engaged the Tu-22 some 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and brought it down.

The incident occurred in the northwestern part of Stavropol Region, which borders Rostov Region and the Republic of Kalmykia.