By Canadian Press

Vigils held for plane crash victims and Iran releases report

Jan 9, 2020 | 2:23 AM

OTTAWA — A vigil will be held this evening on Parliament Hill to remember the Canadian victims of the Iranian plane crash.

At least 63 Canadians were killed when the Ukrainian passenger jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran.

On Wednesday night, about 70 people gathered near the front steps of the Alberta legislature in the bitter cold to light candles, shed tears and remember the victims of the Iran plane crash.

Early reports suggest up to 30 of the Canadian victims were from Edmonton, stunning the small Iranian-Canadian community in the city.

In Toronto, about 150 people gathered in a room for a vigil, some holding photographs of lost loved ones.

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Also this …

TEHRAN — Iran has released its initial report today into the plane crash that killed 176 passengers and crew, including 63 Canadians.

It says the crew of the Ukrainian jetliner never made a radio call for help.

The plane was trying to turn back to the airport when it crashed.

The report suggests a sudden emergency struck the Boeing 737 when it went down shortly after takeoff.

Investigators offered no immediate explanation for the disaster.

But their report confirms both of the black boxes had been recovered, though they suffered damage and some parts of their memory were lost.

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