Egypt rules out foul play in plane crash
Print Edition
A PRELIMINARY investigation into the crash of a Russian passenger plane has found no indication yet of any “illegal or terrorist act,” Egypt’s chief investigator said in a statement released yesterday.
The vaguely worded statement by Ayman el-Muqadam said the investigation committee so far has not found “any evidence” indicating foul play in the October 31 downing of the plane, killing all 224 people onboard, mostly Russian vacationers returning home from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The committee is “continuing its work,” it said.
Russia has said an explosive device had been placed onboard the Airbus A321-200 and the Sinai branch of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility. The crash led Russia to suspend all flights to and from Egypt, dealing a heavy blow to the country’s vital tourism industry.
El-Muqadam said the investigating committee completed its preliminary report on Sunday, which contained all available information that will be further investigated.
The search for wreckage extended more than 16 kilometers from the main crash site, he said, adding that the committee gave all parties that are part of the investigation the chance to examine the wreckage.
The investigators analyzed the plane’s 38 computers and are checking the technical details of the plane and repairs carried out since it was manufactured in May 1997.
El-Muqadam said the investigation committee made 15 visits to the crash site, and the team was working 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.”
Aside from a joint technical investigation, the Egyptian authorities also opened an investigation into a possible security breach at Sharm el-Sheikh airport. That investigation has focused on baggage handlers, their security supervisors and personnel involved in aircraft catering.
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