Black box data reveals A321 «brought down over Egypt by explosion»

Analysis of the black box on board the Russian plane brought down over Egypt shows it crashed following an “explosion”, French media has claimed, according to The Independent.

According to LePoint, an unnamed official close to the investigation has revealed that results of tests carried out on the cockpit voice recorder show the tragedy could not have been caused by either a technical fault or an error by the crew, The Independent reports.

A source who had access to black boxes said the distinct sound of an explosion mid-flight could be heard, adding that the motor did not break down prior to it, according to France 2.

Also this afternoon, an Egyptian government official has reportedly told ABC the possibility the flight was brought down by a bomb is now the “most plausible scenario”.

The claim was further validated when Vladimir Putin agreed to suspend all flights to Egypt on the recommendation of the head of Russia's security service.