Egypt: no sign of terrorism in Russian plane crash

A preliminary inquiry into the Russian plane crash in Sinai in October has found no indication of any “illegal or terrorist act”, Egypt’s chief investigator has said.

Egyptian Military on cars approach a plane’s tail at the wreckage of a passenger jet bound for St. Petersburg in Russia that crashed in Hassana, Egypt, on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. Image by (Maxim Grigoriev/Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations via AP)

Ayman el-Muqadam released a statement on Monday which said that so far the investigation committee had not received any evidence that indicates there was foul play in the downing of the plane. The vaguely worded statement implied that this is not the final conclusion of the investigators. Mr el-Muqadam’s statement also said the committee is “continuing its work”.

The crash on October 31 killed all 224 people on the Metrojet flight from Sharm el-Sheikh. Russia has said an explosive device had been placed on board the Airbus 321-200 and the Sinai branch of the Isis has claimed responsibility. The crash led Russia to suspend all flights to and from Egypt, dealing a heavy blow to the country’s tourism industry.

People gathered to lay flowers in memory of the plane crash victims at Dvortsovaya (Palace) Square in St.Petersburg. Image by AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev

Mr el-Muqadam said the investigating committee completed its preliminary report on Sunday evening, which contained all available information that will be further investigated. He said the search for wreckage extended more than ten miles from the main crash site and that the committee provided all parties that are part of the investigation, including the insurance company and Russian working teams, the chance to examine the wreckage.

The investigators analysed the plane’s 38 computers and two engine computers and are currently checking the technical details of the plane and repairs carried out since it was manufactured in May 1977. Mr el-Muqadam said the investigation committee made 15 visits to the crash site, and the team was coordinating with the air force to move the wreckage to a safe location in Cairo for further study.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment directly on the Egyptian statement, but told reporters in a conference call: “I can remind you of the conclusion of our experts from the special services, who came to the conclusion that it was a terrorist action.”

(Press Association)