By IRNA,
Bishkek : A passenger plane crashed on Sunday shortly after take-off from Bishkek airport, killing 68 out of the 90 passengers and crew.
There were many foreigners on board, including Iranians and Canadians.
The Itek Air Boeing 737 took off bound for Iran, but turned round some 10 minutes later.
An airport spokeswoman said the crew had reported a technical problem, and the plane crashed not far from the airport and caught fire.
Ambulances and fire-fighting equipment from the nearby US air base at Manas, 30km (20 miles) from Bishkek, were dispatched to help with the rescue effort.
Two crew members were among the survivors.
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