FT journo scolds Moscow authorities for not instantly removing crashed jet, gets schooled on Twitter
Most reactions to the plane crash at a Moscow airport on Sunday were of simple sadness and shock – but for Financial Times Moscow correspondent Max Seddon, the tragedy was a chance to gratuitously bash Russian authorities.
Seddon took to Twitter on Monday to chastise Sheremetyevo Airport authorities for the most nonsensical of reasons – because they did not instantly remove the destroyed aircraft from the tarmac after the crash landing which killed 41 people, including two children.
“A day after an Aeroflot flight burnt up at Sheremetevo, the airport has just left it there for everyone to stare at,” he wrote, in an apparent attempt to provoke some kind of outrage.
A day after an Aeroflot flight burnt up at Sheremetevo, the airport has just left it there for everyone to stare at https://t.co/i3ksUopqup
— max seddon (@maxseddon) May 6, 2019
However, Seddon’s mentions were immediately filled with people reminding him that the plane had not been removed because the crash site would need to be thoroughly investigated. It obviously hadn’t occurred to the FT correspondent that immediately removing the aircraft from view would interfere with those efforts.
Probably because a competent technical, and forensic, appraisal depends upon a minimal amount of interference with the accident site? It's not the Grand National. https://t.co/rylvFroLh8
— Bryan MacDonald (@27khv) May 6, 2019
“In fairness, a proper technical assessment requires as little post-accident movement as possible…” writer Mark Galeotti wrote.
“I can’t believe they haven’t removed a possible crime scene involving the deaths of 40 people. It’s been a whole 12 hours,” another sarcastic comment read.
In fairness, a proper technical assessment requires as little post-accident movement as possible...
— Mark Galeotti (@MarkGaleotti) May 6, 2019
I can’t believe they haven’t removed a possible crime scene involving the deaths of 40 people. It’s been a whole 12 hours.
— Tony Hrvatska 🕊🌲 (@tonybalogna) May 6, 2019
One tweeter surmised that Seddon’s rush to judgement stemmed from his general hostility toward Russia, coupled with a lack of basic knowledge about air crash investigations.
I get you hate Russia/Russians... But you obviously don't know anything about air crash investigations. 🙄
— Simon ✊ Repeal the #AAbill! (@herodfel) May 6, 2019
Come on man, in case of accidents do not move the remains until the investigation is over. They could prevent the view with parapets, but not move it. let's not make easy demagoguery
— Ricardo Marquina (@RusiaSeMueve) May 6, 2019
Another tweeter suspected that if the plane had been moved, Seddon would likely be accusing Russian authorities of an “attempted cover up,” and suggested that he should simply have opted for some “respectful silence” under the circumstances.
Perhaps Seddon's attempt to spark some uncalled for condemnation of Russia isn't all that surprising, though, since his Twitter bio states he is working in "soviet Russia."
Like this story? Share it with a friend!
