According to the Associated Press, the group of dignitaries were heading to Russia to recognize the 70th anniversary of massacre of Polish officers by Soviet secret police. Yeah, there’s some irony there, but we don’t need to point it out.

Among the dead, were the army chief of staff, national bank president, deputy foreign minister, army chaplain, head of the National Security Office, deputy parliament speaker, civil rights commissioner and at least two presidential aides and three lawmakers.

Pilot error was blamed for the crash. Ground control officials said they tried to divert the plane to Moscow or Minsk  because of heavy fog at the military air strip. However, the pilot said he land at the fog covered military airfield.

He did land the plane, though not nearly as well as he probably hoped.

Check out this Russia Today news report as well.

According to reports by the Associated Press, The New York Times and BBC News, the first bombing happened around 8 a.m. local time at Lubyanka station, which is not far from the headquarters for FSB, the successor to the KGB.

The second bombing occurred 40 minutes later at Park Kultury station. Authorities believe the bombings were connected — which is about as smart as saying the attacks on both towers in New York City were likely connected.

All told, 34 people are suspected dead in the pair of bombings.

Russia, which has been fighting in Chechnya for years, officially said the bombers were likely from that area. The last bombing on the subway system in Moscow was 2004.

Our hearts go out to all of those involved in the growing tragedy. If you were traveling in Moscow or planning a trip there, the best thing to do is stay away from the area and show compassion for the victims.

You’re also better off not discussing the matter at all with people you meet in Moscow pubs. Just remember 9/11 and think about what it would be like to listen to some Russian trying to explain to you how America had it coming. There will be time enough to debate those kind of things — now is not one of them.

Some things are left better unsaid no matter what your opinion.