Russian passenger jet explodes on runway

A Russian passenger jet carrying 128 people caught fire and later exploded at a Siberian airport on Saturday, killing one person and injuring several others, officials said. The rest of the passengers and crew were safely evacuated before the explosion in the Western Siberian oil town of Surgut.

People on board described a chaotic scene as the burning plane filled with thick, black smoke.

In this image, the tail part of the Russian passenger Tu-154 aircraft is seen after it exploded in Surgut. (AP Photo)

The powerful blast destroyed the Tu-154 aircraft and spread flames across 1,000 square meters (11,000 square feet). All that remained afterward was the tail section and part of a wing. (AP Photo)

Most of the passengers and crew were evacuated before the explosion. Panicked passengers climbed over one another to rush through flames to escape. (AP Photo)

All three engines on the Tu-154 are located in the back of the aircraft. The fire appeared to have started in the engine mounted over the rear of the plane. (AP Photo)

10 people were seriously injured, including six who were badly burned and four who suffered broken bones or other trauma. (AP Photo)

Most of the other injured passengers sought treatment for poisoning after inhaling toxic fumes. (AP Photo)