A Passenger PLANE, carrying 164 people, has crash landed in Russia after catching fire, reports say, leaving 18 people injured – including three children.The plane aborted several failed landing attempts before the pilot told them he they would touchdown, said rescued passengers.

“The plane attempted to land several times, unsuccessfully, and finally the pilot said we were landing,” said a couple on board the stricken Boeing.At least 18 people are said to have been injured in the crash.A Utair jet is said to have skidded off the runway, sliding to river and catching fire.A spokesman for the Russian Health Ministry said: “At the moment, there are 18 injured, including three children. There are no reported fatalities.”

Transport department said: “criminal investigation has been opened into the emergency landing… on suspicion of inadequate services with a risk to clients’ health.”