Two die as Russian bomber explodes on takeoff

An aging Russian bomber burst into flames in Ukraine, killing two, just-released video footage shows.

The bomber exploded as it took off in the Kiev Oblast province. The video shows the aircraft skidding off the runway as a blast erupts from its left wing. Engine failure has been blamed.

It is believed that two of the five-man crew were killed in the crash.

The Tu-95, nicknamed the “Bear,” has been Russia’s main strategic bomber since 1956 and is expected to serve the Russian Air Force until at least 2040.

The accident happened last June, but the footage has just been released on YouTube.