70 die, 20 survive in Kyrgyzstan air crash

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- A passenger jetliner crashed in Kyrgyzstan Sunday, leaving 70 people dead and 20 survivors, authorities said preliminary information from the site revealed.

Kyrgyzstan's emergencies minister said the Boeing 737, which was bound for Tehran, Iran, went down about a mile from Manas, Bishkek's international airport, RIA Novosti reported.

The aircraft's crew had reported a technical malfunction soon after take-off and was returning to the airport when the fiery crash occurred, the Russian news agency said.

Among the plane's 83 passengers were Kyrgyzstan's national basketball youth team. There were seven crew members.

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov said the plane's captain survived and was being taken to a Bishkek hospital.

Authorities cited decompression of the aircraft, or flight control system or engine failure as possible causes of the accident, RIA Novosti reported.