Iran Air plane crash kills 72

10 January 2011

The aircraft crashed in bad weather in Orumiyeh

At least 72 people were killed on 9 January after an Iran Air passenger plane crashed in bad weather in the north of the country.

The Boeing 727 aircraft was on a domestic route from Mehrabad airport in Tehran to the city of Orumiyeh, which is 700 kilometres north-west of Tehran.

Of the 105 people onboard, 94 were passengers and the remaining 11 were crew members.

“The plane crash has killed 72 people and injured 33,” according to the Iranian Red Crescent.

Iran has a troubled aviation safety record. In January 2010, a Russian-built Tupolev Tu-154 plane caught fire as it landed at Mashhad airport. Trade embargoes and sanctions prevent Iran from acquiring new aircraft and parts that are essential for aircraft maintenance (MEED 11:6:10).

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