Moscow airport chiefs fired, staff arrested as investigation considers possibility of traffic control error in death of pro-Russian French oil company CEO

The general director and a deputy general director from Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport have resigned after the fatal crash that killed French oil giant Total's CEO earlier in the week, the airport's press service reported Thursday.

"In line with the tragic event that occurred [late Monday night on October 20], the following [individuals] have resigned: Vnukovo International Airport General Director Andrei Dyakov and Deputy General Director Sergei Solntsev," the press release reads.

Vnukovo accepted both resignations, according to the statement.

Several other airport managerial staff were dismissed as well on Thursday.

Total CEO Christophe de Margerie died in the crash of a Falcon 50 business jet late Monday night at Vnukovo-3 Airport. The incident happened when the aircraft, which was to fly to Paris, hit a snow removal vehicle when taking off. De Margerie was the only passenger on board along with three crew members, also French citizens. The crew also died in the crash.

Russia's Investigative Committee is considering two main possibilities as to the cause of the crash - a traffic control mistake and the actions of the snowplow driver.

Four Vnukovo Airport employees have been arrested as suspects in connection with the crash. The investigators suspect that they did not observe flight security requirements and failed to conduct ground checks, which later led to the tragedy.