Russian team joins plane crash investigation

JAKARTA - A Russian team composed of experts and government officials arrived here Friday to join hands with Indonesian authorities in the investigation into the crash of Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 passenger plane, a statement released by Russian embassy here said.

"For this purpose an expert team from Russian industry and trade ministry, inter-country aviation committee from JSC firm, United Aircraft Corporation and SCA (Sukhoi Civil Aircraft) has arrived here," the statement said.

The 45 people aboard the ill-fated plane included Russian, Indonesian, Italian, French and US nationals.

The Russian embassy in Jakarta teamed up with Indonesian authority to set up a crisis center that monitors the development of situation related to the crash.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday, conveying his deepest condolence on Indonesian victims aboard the ill-fated plane.

The Indonesian president accepted Putin's offer to assist in identifying the victims of the crash.

The Russian-made Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100) was the first commercial plane developed by Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union.

The ill-fated plane that crashed in mount of Salak in Bogor regency, West Java, was in a promotional tour program to six countries to attract potential customers.

Before arriving at Indonesia, the plane had visited Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Myanmar.

The Indonesian army, rescuer team and volunteers have resumed their operation to evacuate the victims after a postponement by bad weather on Thursday.