In a shocking incident reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, a military plane has met a fiery end over a Russian city claiming the lives of at least 63 individuals, among them Ukrainian soldiers held captive. The heart-wrenching episode unfolded in the Korochansky District of the Belgorod region, a mere 40 km north of the contentious Ukrainian border. A gripping video shared on Telegram captures the dramatic crash that left no survivors, as reported by Ukraine’s channel 112.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti provided a distressing narrative, revealing that the ill-fated aircraft was en route to execute a prisoner exchange, transporting 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers. Additionally, the plane carried six crew members and three escorts, bringing the total on board to 74.

The Russian Ministry of Defence issued a solemn statement via Interfax news agency, confirming the tragic incident. “On January 24, at about 11:00 Moscow time, an Il-76 plane crashed during a scheduled flight in the Belgorod region. On board were 65 captured military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, transported to the Belgorod region for exchange, along with six crew members of the aircraft and three accompanying persons.”

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating on Telegram, “An investigation team and first responders are working at the scene right now. I’ve rearranged my work schedule and headed to the area.”

A video circulating on social media captures the heartbreaking moment of the crash, showing a military transport Il-76 plummeting to the ground. The accompanying caption reads, “Video of a plane crash in the Belgorod region. Previously, this is a military transport Il-76.” In the background, the distressed cries of a woman can be heard as the tragedy unfolds.

Adding a surreal layer to the narrative, an hour before the catastrophic explosion, Russian authorities issued an incoming missile alert, heightening the tension and leaving the public in shock and disbelief. The sequence of events surrounding the crash raises questions that demand answers as the investigation unfolds in the aftermath of this harrowing incident.