Investigators Probe Into All Versions Of Tu-154 Crash

The group investigating the reasons behind the Tu-154 crash is probing into "absolutely all versions of the incident," Sergei Fridinsky, Deputy Prosecutor General in the Southern Federal District, was quoted as saying. He also said that "no data could be considered as true" until the expert groups examining the retrieved bodies and exhibits issue their final reports. In his words, it is possible to make a preliminary conclusion that the Tu-154 aircraft "exploded", but "it is still unclear whether it was an internal or external blast." "Another preliminary conclusion is that the explosion of the aircraft was caused by technical malfunction," Fridinsky stated. "Such incidents have already happened." He said that the investigation team grouped many experts in various domains. All initial tests will be carried out in Sochi. Fridinsky believes that one of the primary objectives of the investigators is to identify the salvaged bodies. All other studies are not that urgent at the present time. By now, only three women have been identified, they were Israeli residents and citizens. Fourteen corps and a part of the body have been retrieved so far. Fridinsky confirmed that Israeli identification experts were expected to arrive in Sochi. The Deputy Prosecutor General reported that Russian investigators worked with their Israeli colleagues in a close teamwork. "In compliance with international law, we addressed the Israeli side to render us legal support and we hope to obtain all necessary data in the near future," Fridinsky said. In his words, the required data concerns checking of the persons who embarked on the crashed aircraft in Tel Aviv, the details of passenger and aircraft control, the procedure for flight preparation and so on.