Russian Jet Crash Kills 43 Passengers, Including Former L.A. Kings Forward
A Russian jet transporting the Lokomotiv ice hockey team from Yaroslavl to Minsk crashed into the Volga river bank moments after takeoff on Wednesday. A total of 43 passengers died in the accident, and two others endured critical injuries. Among those killed were former L.A. Kings forward Pavol Demitra and former Kings prospect Jan Marek. Russian player Alexander Galimov and a crew member survived the crash.
The Yak-42 plane was carrying 45 people at the time of the crash, including 37 passengers and eight crew members. Irina Prakhova, a resident of Tunoshna, a small village along the Volga River, witnessed the incident and reported that the plane "was wobbling in flight, it was clear that something was wrong." As she watched the plane rapidly descend, she heard a loud bang and saw a plume of smoke. "I saw them pulling bodies to the shore, some still in their seats with seatbelts on," she said.
Russia and the world of hockey are stunned and devastated.
"This is the darkest day in the history of our sport. This is not only a Russian tragedy, the Lokomotiv roster included players and coaches from 10 nations," said Rene Fasel, president of the international Ice Hockey Federation, according to LA Daily News. "This is a terrible tragedy for the global ice hockey community."
The L.A. Kings posted the following statement on their website.
"The Los Angeles Kings organization is deeply saddened with the tragic news of this morning’s plane crash in Russia that was carrying the members of the KHL’s Lokomotiv organization, including former Kings forward Pavol Demitra, former Kings prospect Jan Marek and many other members of the NHL Family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends of those affected by this terrible occurrence."
An investigation is underway. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent the nation's transport minister to the crash site and plans to tour the area himself.
