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Passenger jet crashes in Russia, likely killing at least 55 on board

By Danielle Haynes

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, March 18 (UPI) -- A passenger jet carrying at least 55 people crashed Saturday in southern Russia, likely killing all on board, emergency officials said.

Flydubai Flight 981 crashed upon landing at the Rostov-on-Don airport, Russia's Southern Regional Emergency Center said. The aircraft overshot the runway and caught fire, BBC News reported.

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Several reports indicate 55 people died in the crash, though Russian news agency Sputnik put the death toll at 62, including six crew members.

"All the passengers who were on board were Russian citizens. Crew members were foreigners," emergency officials said.

The Boeing 737-800 originated from Dubai.

It's unclear what caused the crash, though there was reportedly poor visibility at the time.

"According to preliminary information, the Boeing 737 fell amid poor visibility conditions 50-100 meters [164-328 feet] left of the runway," a regional Emergency Ministry official told Sputnik.

Boeing, the maker of the plane, tweeted it is "aware of reports coming out of Russia and our team is currently gathering more details."

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