MOSCOW, November 18, /ITAR-TASS/. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and the government have observed a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of the victims of an air crash in Kazan, central Russia.

“On behalf of the government I’d like to convey the sympathies to the next-of-kin and observe a minute of silence in tribute to their memory,”  Medvedev said.

Earlier, Tatarstan’s President Rustam Minnikhanov has thanked everyone who expressed condolences on the Boeing 737 crash.

A total of 50 people, including Minnikhanov’s oldest son 23-year-old Irek Minnikhanov, died during the air crash.

In his Twitter microblog on Monday, Minnikhanov wrote: “Thank you!”

Mourning was declared in Tatarstan on Monday. The state flag has been flown at half-staff in cities and villages. Entertainment events have been cancelled. Funeral services are being conducted at churches and mosques.

The Boeing 737 of Tatarstan Airlines crashed on Sunday, November 17 when it made a landing. A total of 44 passengers and six crewmembers were aboard the plane. The church burial will take place at all churches and monasteries of Kazan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed condolences to the next-of-kin.