Russia and Poland mourn for crash

2010-04-11 07:27 BJT

Special Report: Polish President Dies In Plane Crash |

 

Investigators have recovered two black boxes from a plane that crashed in western Russia, killing 97 people. Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife and other high ranking officials were among the victims. Russia and Poland have both declared a day of mourning.

A mourner holds a prayer in front of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland, Saturday, April 10, 2010, as news broke out about Polish President's Lech Kaczynski death. Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife died Saturday along with 130 others when their plane crashed while coming in for a landing in western Russia.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) 
A mourner holds a prayer in front of the Presidential Palace in 
Warsaw, Poland, Saturday, April 10, 2010, as news broke out about 
Polish President's Lech Kaczynski death. Polish President Lech 
Kaczynski and his wife died Saturday along with 130 others when 
their plane crashed while coming in for a landing in western Russia.
(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
 

Mourners paid tribute to crash victims on Saturday in Russia and Poland. Flowers and lit candles filled the streets in Warsaw, where thousands prayed for their those killed.

Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, and Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, also lit candles and prayed.

Later, Putin arrived at the crash site and directed search efforts.

Putin said, "We need to do everything possible to determine the cause of this tragedy as soon as possible. That's the first task. The second is to help the relatives of those killed."

Aviation authorities recalled the plane's final moments.