Driver of snowplow that crashed into Total CEO's plane was drunk, say officials

Moscow: Russian investigators say the driver of a snowplow that collided with a corporate jet at a Moscow airport, killing the CEO of French oil giant Total, was drunk.

Total SA confirmed “with deep regret and sadness” that Chairman and CEO Christophe de Margerie died in the crash at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport.

Three crew members, all of them French citizens, also died when the French-made Dassault Falcon 50 collided with the snowplow during takeoff late Monday.

Russia’s main investigative agency said Tuesday the driver of the snowplow was under the influence of alcohol.

The 63-year-old de Margerie rose through the ranks at Total to become CEO in 2007, and added the post of chairman in 2010.

Reuters