Originally Posted by
neila83
Looking at the F24 replay, the two flights in front of it on the same track both took diversions in the exact area where it happened, so it seems fairly clear this was likely a CB. The aeroflot does seem to have begun a diversion, but obviously not by enough and they obviously hugely underestimated the ferocity of the weather they were flying through if they didn't put seatbelt signs on.
It is often not appreciated how there can be very severe turbulence between towering Cb well clear of actual cloud. Similarly, there can be significant threat from hail in the gaps between the storms. So do not be hasty in disparaging the flight crew in this case for flying into a Cb - just flying within 20 nm can be too close.