Dmitry Medvedev and Deputy Prime Ministers discuss Kazan air crash.
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
A minute’s silence for the Kazan air crash victims
Dmitry Medvedev: Tragedy struck yesterday in Kazan. A passenger airliner crashed, killing 50 people. On behalf of the Government, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and I suggest we have a minute of silence. (Everyone rises)
A Government commission is investigating all issues linked with the disaster. Is there any information about the results? And what is being done in each area? Mr Dvorkovich (Addressing Arkady Dvorkovich), please be brief.
Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of the Government Staff Sergei Prikhodko, Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, Deputy Prime Minsister Dmitry Rogozin
Arkady Dvorkovich: Mr Medvedev, colleagues. The commission, which was established in accordance with your instructions, and headed by Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov, worked in the evening, through the night and this morning. The permanent Government Commission on Emergency Prevention, Response and Fire Safety headed by Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Vladimir Puchkov was also working during this period. They are investigating the causes of the crash. According to preliminary reports, the weather near Kazan airport was good, visibility was ten kilometers, and there were no weather-related problems. The airplane had all the required certificates and flightworthiness documents, and there were no formal questions here.
According to the information we have available, the captain of the airplane told air traffic control about the need for another landing approach, and the airplane hit the ground several seconds later. The airport is now closed, the authorities are investigating, and they are removing the parts of the airplane which are needed for the investigation. Moreover, the remains of those killed in the crash are being examined. Judging by preliminary reports, the airport cannot reopen before 2 pm today. So far, all passengers are being bussed to other airports, primarily to Naberezhnye Chelny, as well as to Nizhny Novgorod and Ufa.
Apart from government commissions, the Investigative Committee is working in accordance with its own powers. A commission of the Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK), which investigates aviation accidents and incidents, is also working there. The results will be reported in line with standard procedure. Medical units are working as required. Psychologists are present (several dozen), virtually everyone sought psychological help. In addition, hospitals in Kazan have set aside wards for the possible hospitalisation of family members, relatives and other persons whose condition may worsen.
Meeting with deputy prime ministers
As for material assistance, SOGAZ insurance company will pay about two million roubles to each bereaved family in accordance with the insurance contract. Moreover, the Republic of Tatarstan has decided to pay about one million roubles to all bereaved families. Therefore all necessary action is being taken. Currently, the situation is under control. The President of the Republic is at the crash site, and he is also personally monitoring the regional services’ actions.
Dmitry Medvedev: Please monitor the developments. If you need anything from the federal authorities, then it goes without saying that you should tell me, and we will make a decision on the issue.
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