US, Canada express condolences over Tehran plane crash

“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s tragic news of a Ukrainian International Airlines plane crash. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine posted on Twitter.

We are deeply saddened by this morning’s tragic news of a Ukrainian International Airlines plane crash. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.

— U.S. Embassy Kyiv (@USEmbassyKyiv) 8 января 2020 г.

Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine Larisa Galadza expressed her condolences over the tragedy.

“Terribly sad news about the UIA flight out of Teheran. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the passengers and crew,” she tweeted.

Terribly sad news about the @Fly_UIA flight out of Teheran. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the passengers and crew. @MFA_Ukraine

— Larisa Galadza - Лариса Ґаладза (@LGaladza) 8 января 2020 г.

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne has stated that he has been in touch with the Government of Ukraine following the UIA plane crash in Tehran.

“Tragic news regarding Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims, including many Canadians. I have been in touch with the government of Ukraine. We will continue to keep Canadians informed as the situation evolves,” François-Philippe Champagne posted on Twitter.

Tragic news regarding Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims, including many Canadians. I have been in touch with the government of Ukraine. We will continue to keep Canadians informed as the situation evolves. #PS752

— François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) 🇨🇦 (@FP_Champagne) 8 января 2020 г.

As reported, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) plane heading from Tehran to Kyiv crashed shortly after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport at about 06:00 Tehran time (04:30 Kyiv time) on Wednesday, January 8.

According to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, there were 177 people on board the aircraft - 168 passengers and nine crew members. Eleven Ukrainians were killed in the crash – two passengers and nine crew members.

Most UIA plane crash victims were citizens of Iran (82) and Canada (63). There were also ten Swedish citizens, four citizens of Afghanistan, three Germans and three citizens of the United Kingdom on board.

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