On Sun., Feb. 11, a Russian jet headed to the city of Orsk crashed into a snowy field and broke into pieces, leaving 71 dead.

The Saratov Airlines jet disappeared from radar at 2:28 p.m., just four minutes after taking off in Moscow from the Domodedovo Airport. After takeoff, the plane reached an altitude of 6,400 feet and a speed of 345 miles per hour, but quickly plunged to the ground in less than a minute.

The plane contained 65 passengers and six crew members– all were killed in the crash. DNA analysis will most likely be needed to identify the dead due to the extreme conditions of the wreck.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the tragedy with strong sorrow and expressed condolences to all of the victims and their families. He has instructed the government to establish a special commission to investigate the cause of the crash.

Police are considering if the events could have been caused by criminal activity. Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened a case to look for possible violations of transport safety regulations or careless behaviors that could have led to the accident.

Rescue crews are searching the widespread crash zone as more information is being uncovered.

A statement released by the White House Sunday afternoon reads:

“The United States is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of those on board Saratov Airlines Flight 703. We send our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Russia.”