Several Winnipeggers amongst dead on Iranian plane crash

Several from Winnipeg are amongst the 176 passengers and crew killed in a plane crash just minutes after takeoff from Tehran.

Ukraine's foreign minister says there were 63 Canadians on board the flight. Members from the Iranian Students' Association from the University of Manitoba confirm that multiple of the victims attended the school and believe a family from Winnipeg was also amongst the deceased.

At least six are believed to be a part of the Iranian community in Winnipeg.

Read more: 63 Canadians dead after plane crash in Iran

Hana Klassen Vakili, a University of Manitoba Alumni, and Ph.D. in Physiology knew one of the deceased who attended the school. Dr. Forough Khadem was a young scientist and recent Ph.D. graduate from the University of Manitoba.

She will be missed dearly! Our humanity lost a beautiful soul ... Rest in Peace my dearest friend and sister! My deepest condolences to the families and friends of all the victims of this tragic plane crash. May God grant us strength as we all go through this difficult time
— Hana Klassen Vakili (@HanaVakili) January 8, 2020

Premier Brian Pallister says in a statement, "on behalf of all Manitobans and all members of the Manitoba legislature, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this very difficult time."

The provincial flag will fly at half-mast in Memorial Park, in memory of all the victims.

The University of Manitoba Alumni Association also shares its condolences.

We have reason to believe that Forough Khadem [PhD/16] @foroughkhadem was a passenger on the flight that crashed in Tehran last night. We are deeply saddened by the news of the loss of this bright young scientist and extend our condolences to her family and friends.
— University of Manitoba - Alumni (@UManAlumni) January 8, 2020