A Russian Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying nearly 50 people crashed in the country’s Far East on Thursday, with emergency officials reporting no signs of survivors. The aircraft, operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines, vanished from radar during a flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, a remote town in the Amur region.
Regional Governor Vasily Orlov stated preliminary data indicated 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members were aboard. The Emergencies Ministry, however, estimated a slightly lower figure of around 40. Rescue teams located the burning fuselage in a forested area 15 km from Tynda via helicopter, though rugged terrain has hindered ground access.
Unverified social media footage showed the crash site engulfed in flames, highlighting the challenges faced by responders. The plane, manufactured in 1976, had been in service for decades. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the disaster.
Tynda, a key hub for regional infrastructure projects, relies heavily on air travel due to its isolation. The incident underscores longstanding concerns about aging aircraft in Russia’s vast northern and eastern regions, where harsh climates and limited infrastructure complicate transportation safety.
