Entire family killed in Iran plane crash

An entire Swedish family was killed in the devastating plane crash in Iran.

Parents Raheleh, 37, and Mikael Lindberg, 40, and kids Erik, 9, and Emil, 7, were on the aircraft which killed 176 people on board, a full list of passengers confirmed.

A tragic photo on Rahele's Facebook page appears to have been taken on Emil's sixth birthday and shows the family huddled close together, smiling.

The beautiful picture shows the family had a football-themed birthday cake, decorations and toys displayed for the occasion.

Another picture of the family shows them all posing with their arms around each other.

Local media confirmed a Swedish family of two adults and two children had lost the lives.

Among the victims of today's tragic were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, three Germans and three Britons, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said.

He tweeted: "We are currently aware of the following information on the countries of origin of those killed in the crash: Iran - 82; Canada - 63; Ukraine - 2 + 9 (crew); Sweden - 10; Afghanistan - 4; Germany - 3; United Kingdom - 3.

"We express our condolences. The Ukrainian authorities continue to investigate."

Debris and smouldering engine parts from the Boeing 737, which carrier Ukraine International Airlines said was last serviced two days ago, were strewn across a field southwest of the Iranian capital Tehran where rescue workers in face masks laid out scores of body bags.

The plane crashed shortly after take-off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, Tehran, killing everyone on board.

The airline said the aircraft was a 737-800, built in 2016.