The Chinese Consulate General in Khabarovsk confirmed Thursday that one Chinese national was aboard a Russian passenger plane that crashed in the Amur region of Russia's Far East. The IL-76 transport aircraft, reportedly carrying 10 people, went down during a firefighting operation near the village of Ryazanovka.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with initial reports suggesting technical issues may have contributed to the accident. Emergency teams are working at the remote crash site amid challenging terrain and weather conditions.
The incident highlights the risks faced by international workers in Russia's resource-rich Far East, a region seeing increased cross-border cooperation between China and Russia on environmental and economic projects. Aviation safety experts note the area's vast distances and extreme climate pose unique operational challenges.
Families of those affected have been notified through diplomatic channels, according to consulate officials. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Russian authorities to provide consular assistance.
