Tragedy in the KHL: Plane Carrying Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Crashes

Today, September 7th, 2011, will forever be associated with one of the great sports, and human, tragedies of all-time.

A Russian airline, carrying the entirety of the Russian hockey team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl including four members of their junior squad Loko, crashed after reportedly catching fire just four kilometers after takeoff.  The crash, happening on the teams departure from Tunosjno Airport, is said to have claimed to the lives of all but two aboard the plane.

Of the confirmed deaths are ex-NHLers Brad McCrimmon, Pavol Demitra, Karel Rachunek and Ruslan Salei.  Also aboard the flight, and tragically confirmed dead, was New Jersey Devils prospect Alexander Vasyunov.

The crash site of a Yak-42 which was carrying members of the KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (AP Photo)

Reports from Slava Malamud (@slavamalamud) stated that Alexander Galimov, who survived the initial crash, was taken to hospital after suffering third-degree burns to 80% of his body.  His injuries are said to make his chances of living very slim, but he continues to fight for his life in hospital.

Russia Today, which has been doing an incredible job of covering the story today, have confirmed that 45 passengers were aboard and it is believed that 43 have died.  It is unclear what the full condition the other survivor, a plane engineer, is in at this time and whether the injuries suffered could be fatal.  All that is known is that both men, Galimov and the engineer, are in serious condition.

From the story on Russia Today:

Visitors of the International Political Forum, who are visiting Yaroslavl at the moment, held a minute’s silence to commemorate the victims of the crash. The Russian Hockey Federation voiced its condolences to the Lokomotiv club, the families of the victims and the entire ice hockey community.

Hockey fans in Moscow are gathering in Red Square near the Kremlin to honor the deceased Lokomotiv players and the other victims of the crash. In Minsk, people are laying flowers in front of the stadium where the team was scheduled to play on Thursday. Yaroslavl fans are meeting at one of the city’s squares to mark the loss of their team.

As well as the statement from the KHL on this unbelievable tragedy:

“We are only beginning to understand the impact of this tragedy affecting the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl club and the international hockey community. First and foremost, our condolences go out to the families and friends of the players, coaches and staff lost in today’s tragedy.

“We know that there are many in the KHL family who will be grieving with us. As the investigation of this tragedy progresses we will work closely with investigators, government officials, club executives and the Yaroslavl community. We are working to find an appropriate way to honor this club and begin the healing process from the deep loss so many of us feel today.

“We are aware that many of you have questions. This tragedy remains our primary focus. We ask for patience as we find an appropriate way to proceed with the 2011/2012 season. We will continue to communicate our plans as they take shape.”

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UPDATE:  A list of the deceased can be found here: SovSport.ru

The citizens of Yaroslavl have gathered and are waving flags, jerseys, and laying flowers in respect and in honour of the fallen after today’s news.

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Please keep the families and friends of those involved in today’s epic tragedy in your thoughts as our hockey family has suffered an incredible loss.

More to come as it is available.  A lot seems to be up in the air.  Will continue to update as confirmation comes in.