Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashes in Amur region: six dead, one survivor

A Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in the eastern Amur region of Russia, killing six crew members, while the seventh survived the crash and was taken to hospital, as The Sun reports.

The plane crashed near the village of Krasnoyarovo, not far from the Ukrainka air base — one of the main bases from which Russia launches cruise missile attacks against Ukraine, The Sun reports, citing the Russian outlet East2West. Videos shared on social media show a massive fire at the crash site.

Initial reports gave conflicting accounts: some Russian Telegram channels claimed it was a Tu-154 transport plane and cited a “fuel explosion” as a possible preliminary cause, according to the Baza channel. Russian authorities later confirmed the crashed aircraft was a Tu-95MS strategic bomber. Three of its four engines reportedly failed simultaneously shortly after takeoff — a detail not yet officially confirmed.

Unverified claims of possible sabotage by Ukraine also circulated, but there is no official confirmation of them, The Sun notes.

The Tu-95MS, known by its NATO name “Bear”, is a pillar of Russia’s strategic fleet and is regularly used to launch cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets. It is the world’s only propeller-driven strategic bomber, in service since the Soviet era.