US calls for complete cooperation with any probe into cause of Iran crash

Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport and burst into flames on Wednesday

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States was calling for complete cooperation with any investigation into cause of the crash of a Ukrainian airliner in Iran.

In a statement, Pompeo said the United States was prepared to offer Ukraine all possible assistance after the crash of the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737, which burst into flames shortly after take-off from Tehran on Wednesday, killing all 176 people aboard.

Ukrainian airliner crashes after take-off in Iran, killing all 176 aboard

The Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport and burst into flames. Iranian TV said the crash was due to technical problems but did not elaborate.

Ukraine’s embassy in Iran said the plane had suffered engine failure and the crash was not caused by “terrorism”.