Russian plane that crashed in Sinai had mechanical failure, no evidence of terrorist act

A Russian passenger plane crashed on Saturday in the Sinai mountains, Egyptian Prime Minister Sharif Ismail said in a statement, writes CNN, reports the BH news agency Patria. 

According to available information, there were 224 people on board, including 217 passengers and 7 crew members. Dozens of emergency teams have been dispatched to the scene.

Reportedly, the plane "disappeared" from radar 23 minutes after takeoff. Egyptian air traffic control said they lost contact with the Russian plane flying on the Sharm el-Sheikh - St. Petersburg route.

The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that employees of the Russian Embassy are monitoring the situation, and according to information, the plane was completely destroyed, and it is suspected that there are no survivors. 

According to some information, the plane had a mechanical failure that caused the crash.

As the Guardian writes, although there are groups of Islamic militants in the northern part of Sinai, there is no evidence that the plane was intentionally shot down, confirmed Egyptian security services.