A rescue helicopter has located the burning fuselage of a Russian An-24 passenger plane that went missing on Thursday in the far eastern Amur region, an emergencies official confirmed. The aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, disappeared from radar while approaching Tynda, a town near the Chinese border.
Passenger and Crew Details
According to regional governor Vasily Orlov, preliminary reports suggest there were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members on board. However, the emergencies ministry provided a slightly lower estimate, stating around 40 people were aboard the flight. Authorities have mobilized all available search and rescue teams to the crash site.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
The plane lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly before landing. Governor Orlov confirmed on Telegram that emergency forces were deployed immediately. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and officials have not yet confirmed any survivors. The An-24, a Soviet-era turboprop, has been widely used in regional flights but has faced scrutiny over aging fleets in some Russian airlines.
Ongoing Investigation
The emergency response teams are working to secure the area and recover victims. This incident adds to a series of aviation safety concerns in Russia’s remote regions, where challenging weather and infrastructure can complicate rescue operations. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.