Russian strategic bomber crashes during training flight in Siberia

A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in Russia’s Irkutsk region in Siberia, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, as reported by Interfax. The ministry said the aircraft went down while on an exercise flight.

Officials said the crew managed to eject from the bomber and survived the crash. No further details were given about their condition or the cause of the accident.

Unverified video circulated on social media appeared to show the aircraft plunging steeply into a densely forested area near the banks of the Angara River, leaving a large column of smoke behind. The footage has not been independently confirmed.