A Russian military plane with 92 people on board has crashed into the Black Sea, Russia's defense ministry says.

The plane disappeared from radar two minutes after taking off from Sochi at 05:25 (02:25 GMT), heading for Latakia in Syria.

Debris and several bodies have been found, with no reports of survivors, reports the BBC.

The Tu-154 was carrying soldiers, reporters and 64 members of the famed Alexandrov military music ensemble who were to perform for Russian troops.

President Vladimir Putin has said Monday will be a day of national mourning.

The flight had originated in Moscow and landed at Adler airport in Sochi for refueling.

The defense ministry said in a statement: “Fragments of the Tu-154 plane of the Russian defense ministry were found 1.5km (one mile) from the Black Sea coast of the city of Sochi at a depth of 50 to 70m (165-230ft).”

Ministry spokesman Maj-Gen Igor Konashenkov said: “No survivors have been spotted.”
** Russian plane with 91 on-board crashes in Black Sea

BDST: 1809 HRS, DEC 25, 2016
SR