At least 15 killed in Russian-built cargo plane crash in S. Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- A Russian-built cargo plane crashed on the banks of the Nile River shortly after taking off Wednesday, killing more than a dozen passengers, many children.

There were conflicting reports about the number of people killed in the crash. The South Sudanese president said 17 people died in the crash. A reporter from Radio Miraya, a United Nations-run radio station, counted at least 40 bodies, most children, while the BBC reported 31 had been killed and CNN said 15 were dead as a result of the crash. The South Sudan Red Cross said 35 bodies were found at the scene.

Up to three survivors were confirmed.

The aircraft was thought to be traveling to Paloch in the Upper Nile area when it crashed some 3,000 feet from Juma International Airport. Investigators suspect engine failure played a role in the crash. Some of those who died may have been bystanders on the ground.

This is the second Russian airliner to crash in four days. A passenger jet carrying 224 people went down in Egypt's Sinai desert. Investigators are trying to determine the cause of both crashes.