Hassan Rouhani via Twitter Hassan Rouhani via Twitter
Sarnia

Iran admits Ukrainian jet was shot down by mistake

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran is admitting that the country’s military “unintentionally” shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing everyone on board.

Hassan Rouhani made the admission Friday night, stating on his Twitter that an Armed Forces’ internal investigation concluded that the jet was hit by missiles.

Rouhani blames the act on “human error,” adding that Iran deeply regrets the mistake and that he is offering his condolences to those affected by the plane crash.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences.”

A total of 176 people died on board flight Ukrainian International Airlines’ Flight PS752, including 57 Canadians. Among the dead were two instructors from a Toronto college, a partner with Lambton College since 2011.

Flags were at half mast at Sarnia City Hall this week in memory of the victims.

-With files from Allanah Wills

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