International Desk : At least 10 people have been killed including the head of the Wagner mercenary group on a board plane crash, Russian officials said.

Read more : PM Hasina-Jinping meeting held

The crash comes two months after Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived rebellion -- seen as the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin's authority since he came to power.

Russia's ministry for emergency situations said the crash of a private plane travelling between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Read more : 17 killed in India bridge collapse

According to preliminary information, all 10 people on board died, including three crew members, the ministry said.

Russia's aviation agency later said the Wagner chief was on board.

Read more : Two students killed in Ctg

Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said it opened an investigation into the crash.

The bodies of eight people have been found so far at the site of the crash, RIA Novosti said citing the emergency services.

Read more : Two killed in road mishap

Putin was meanwhile giving a speech for the 80th anniversary of the Kursk battle in World War II.

He did not mention the crash and hailed "all our soldiers who are fighting bravely and resolutely" in the special military operation in Ukraine.

Sun News/MR

people killed head Wagner crash plane Russian

Copyright © Sunnews24x7

Tweet

Five killed in road accidents

3 killed as truck hits motorcycle

Four killed in Gazipur road crash

15 killed in Russian plane crash