32 killed as Russian plane crashes in Syria due to technical fault

the plane had not come under fire and the reason for the crash is speculated to be a technical fault

A Russian transport plane crashed on landing at Russia's Hmeimim airbase in Syria, killing all 32 on board, the defence ministry said in a statement carried by RIA Novosti.

There were 26 passengers and 6 crew, the ministry said.

"The reason for the crash according to preliminary information could have been a technical fault," the ministry added, saying the plane had not come under fire.