Russian Jet Explodes on Runway

A Russian jet caught fire as it taxied down a Siberian runway on Saturday, killing three people and badly burning many more. As the plane filled with smoke, most passengers were able to evacuate in time, but survivors called the scene chaotic and frightening. A member of the Russian pop group Na-Na was on board, and later described the event: “First we heard a clap and then there were flames in the back of the plane and people immediately panicked," he said. The fire appears to have started in a rear engine.