176 people die as Ukrainian plane crashes in Iran [photos]

176 persons aboard a Ukrainian airplane have reportedly died after it crashed in in Tehran, Iran few moments after takeoff from the Khomeini Airport. 

A senior public relations officer at the airline confirmed that there had been 167 passengers and 9 crew members on board the flight reports the country’s press TV. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Facebook post that the country’s embassy in Iran is

“working to clarify information on the circumstances of the tragedy and the list of deceased passengers.”

Zelensky said that he would cancel the rest of his current trip to Oman and would return to Kiev due to the crash.

“My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all passengers and crew members,” Zelensky said.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the crash site but could not assist because the area was ablaze, said Pirhossein Koulivand, the head of Iran’s Emergency Medical Services. 

See photos below 

READ: We’ve started oiling our weapons – Aye members respond to Eiye, Mafite coalition