The crash near Kuzhenkino in the Tver region has become the focus of a wide official and public interest after reports that a VIP executive may have been aboard the plane involved.
According to the Unified Mission Dispatch Service of the Bologovsky District, rescuers who reached the crash site found and removed the bodies of seven people from under the wreckage. The Federal Air Transport Agency confirmed these fatalities, a finding that has been supported by subsequent updates from the rescue teams. The seven recovered victims were accounted for after a thorough search of the debris field, and authorities continued to document the scene for later forensic examination and investigation.
Earlier, Vladimir Rogov, a leader of the Zaporozhye social movement known as “We are with Russia,” claimed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman with close ties to various sectors, was among those who died in the disaster. His assertions have contributed to the distinct urgency and international attention surrounding the incident, though official verification of individual identities typically follows a structured process overseen by aviation and forensic authorities.
Eyewitnesses at the site reported hearing two powerful explosions shortly before the aircraft went down. Such accounts, if verified, may influence investigators as they assess potential causes, including technical failure, environmental factors, and other contributing elements. The presence of two detonations in proximity to the crash remains a detail investigators are examining as the inquiry progresses, with caution exercised to avoid premature conclusions.
On the evening of August 23, an Embraer Legacy plane crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver region. The flight linked Moscow and St. Petersburg, carrying ten people on board, including three crew members. Preliminary information suggested that all on board perished in the accident, a tragedy that has prompted a wave of official condolences, emergency response actions, and ongoing investigations by aviation authorities to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.
Rosaviatsia, the Russian aviation authority, has stated that among the passengers was a businessman identified in various accounts as Yevgeny Prigozhin. This reference has intensified public interest and speculation about the implications for the individuals and organizations connected to the case, as authorities move to confirm identities, assess flight data, and review maintenance and operational records of the aircraft involved.
Past reporting had noted an increase in reports of birds colliding with aircraft in Russia, a factor that sometimes contributes to difficult takeoffs or landings and can complicate emergency responses. While wildlife encounters are a known risk in aviation, investigators will compare such data with technical findings from the crash site to build a comprehensive understanding of what occurred in this specific accident. The incident has prompted aviation safety reviews and discussions about measures to minimize risks to flight operations, particularly in regions where wildlife activity may intersect with critical flight paths.
As authorities continue to gather evidence, the situation remains under close official scrutiny. The investigation will examine flight records, air traffic control communications, weather conditions at the time of the crash, and maintenance histories of the Embraer Legacy aircraft. The aim is to produce a clear, accountable account of the events and to determine any actionable steps that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. In the meantime, families and communities affected by the crash await further updates as forensic and investigative teams work to verify identities, circumstances, and potential causal factors.