Reports: Timer Bomb Possible Cause of Russian A321 Plane Crash in Egypt

Local Editor

The Russian Airbus A321 plane crash could have occurred because a timed bomb was planted near the aircraft's fuel line, media reports suggest.

Investigators analyzing the deadly crash of a Russian jet in Egypt uncovered intelligence about a "two-hour timer," although it is not clear whether physical evidence to the effect has been found or the information comes from intercepted terrorist communications, Fox News reports citing an anonymous source.

A second source, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said investigators were considering a theory that a bomb was placed at or near the fuel line or where it attaches to the engine, with the fuel burning off the explosive.

The report suggested this theory would account for the apparent lack of explosive residue in the wreckage.

It had been said that the Metrojet 9268 disintegrated approximately 23 minutes into the flight, and investigators are now focused on a "90-minute window" before the flight took off and who had access.

These new data points explain why investigators are interviewing ground crews and those with access to the departure lounge, as well as reviewing surveillance camera video. The review of surveillance images was first reported by ABC News.

The jet crashed in the Sinai Peninsula shortly after takeoff from Sharm el-Sheikh en route to St. Petersburg on Oct. 31, about 20 minutes into the flight. All 224 people on board, mostly Russians, were killed.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team