Russian fighter plane crashes into apartments in southern city near Ukraine

A military aircraft has crashed into a residential building in the southern Russian city of Yeysk, Russian news agencies said, citing witnesses and the Defence Ministry.

The Emergencies Ministry said at least two residents were killed and 15 others were hospitalised with injuries.

The Russian Defence Ministry said that both crew members ejected safely, but the plane crashed into a residential area, causing a fire as tonnes of fuel exploded on impact.

The Defence Ministry also said the crash was caused by an engine fire.

The Kremlin said that President Vladimir Putin was immediately informed about the crash, and he ordered ministers of health and emergencies along with the local governor to head to the site.

"Military investigators are establishing the circumstances and causes of the incident," Russia's investigative committee said.

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Interfax quoted the local emergencies ministry as saying five floors of the apartment building were on fire, the upper floors had collapsed and about 45 apartments were damaged.

Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said that emergency services were working to put out the fire.

"Emergency services are already working on the spot — all regional fire and rescue garrisons are engaged in extinguishing the fire," Mr Kondratyev wrote on Telegram.

Mr Kondratyev said the plane was a Sukhoi Su-34, a supersonic medium-range fighter-bomber.

The Su-34 is equipped with sophisticated sensors and weapons that has been a key strike component of the Russian air force.

The aircraft has seen wide use during the war in Syria and the fighting in Ukraine.

Yeysk is located on the coast of the Sea of Azov which separates southern Ukraine and southern Russia.