Russian jet with more than 200 on board crashes over Egyptian Sinai

BBC:

A Russian airliner has crashed in central Sinai with more than 200 people on board, the office of Egypt's prime minister has confirmed.

The Airbus A-321 had just left the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, bound for the Russian city of St Petersburg.

Wreckage was found in the Hasana area and bodies removed, along with the plane's "black box". An official described a "tragic scene".

Flight KGL9268 disappeared when travelling at 9,500m (31,000ft).

Egyptian officials said all the passengers were Russian.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an official investigation into the crash, and for rescue teams to be sent to the crash site.
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A criminal case has also been opened against the airline, Kogalymavia, for "violation of rules of flight and preparation for them", Russia's Ria news agency reported.
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But the aircraft's altitude suggests that it could not have been struck from the ground, she adds.
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The pilot reported some technical difficulties before contact was lost.  With the proximity of Israel, that country may also have information on the crash.  There have been several terrorist incidents in the area of the crash which could hamper the effort to deal with the wreckage.