A preliminary investigation has failed to find any evidence that indicates that the Russian plane that crashed in the Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31 was the result of an "illegal or terrorist act," Egypt's chief investigator said in a statement released Monday.
This declaration comes after both Russian and Western governments concluded that the Airbus A321 operated by Metrojet was destroyed by an explosive device which detonated mid-flight, and the Sinai branch of the Islamic State militant group which claimed responsibility, saying it had smuggled an explosive on board, according to Reuters.
However, Egypt's civil aviation ministry has refuted all three claims and said that a preliminary report, completed Sunday evening, found no evidence supporting that viewpoint.
"The technical investigative committee has so far not found anything indicating any illegal intervention or terrorist action," the ministry said in a statement.
Ayman el-Muqadam, head of the investigatory committee, said that despite finding no conclusive results, it was "continuing its work." He notes that during the investigation, crews searched for wreckage in an area extending more than 10 miles from the crash site, during which time all parties in the investigation had the chance to examine the wreckage, according to ABC News.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov didn't respond comment on Egypt's statement, but reminded reporters that Russian experts already determined that the crash was the result of a "terrorist action."
As the investigation into the crash continues, Egyptian authorities have also opened an investigation to determine whether security was compromised at the Sharm el Sheikh airport, reported The New York Times. That investigation has focused on personnel ranging from baggage handlers to those involved in aircraft catering.
