Polish president Lech Kaczynski, his wife, the head of the army, leaders of several Polish political parties and other high-ranking Polish officials and dignitaries have been killed in plane crash near Smolensk, Russia. All 96 passengers on board were killed.
The plane, a Tupolev Tu-154, was on approach to Smolensk Air Base (XUBS) from Warsaw in heavy fog. Reports indicate the plane may have been attempting a go-around when it hit trees and burst into flames.
President Kaczynski was on an official visit to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre, when Soviet troops killed thousands of Poles.
Polish Air Force Tu-154M (101) At Andrews Air Force Base. (Photo by Senga Butts)
Side shot of Polish Air Force Tu-154M (101). (Photo by Gordon Gebert Jr.)
Polish Air Force Tu-154M (101) landing at Newark Airport. (Photo by Tom Turner)
Cockpit of Polish Air Force Tu-154M (101). (Photo by Gordon Gebert Jr.)
Polish Air Force Tu-154M (101) flies into the sunset. (Photo by Gordon Gebert Jr.)
Update: Death toll reduced to 96, amid conflicting reports.
