A Soviet-era Antonov An-24 passenger aircraft operated by Siberia-based airline Angara has crashed in a remote forested area of Russia’s Amur region, with nearly 50 people feared dead, according to Russian emergency officials.
The aircraft, which was nearly 50 years old, disappeared from radar while on a scheduled flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda. The plane’s tail number confirmed it was built in 1976. It lost contact with air traffic control while approaching Tynda, a secluded town near Russia’s border with China.
There were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members on board, according to preliminary reports from regional governor Vasily Orlov. However, Russia’s emergency ministry later revised the number on board to around 40.
Wreckage was found roughly 15 kilometers (10 miles) from Tynda. A Mi-8 search helicopter from Rossaviatsiya located the burning fuselage of the aircraft, and rescue teams are currently navigating difficult terrain to reach the crash site.
Unverified footage shared on social media, reportedly taken from a helicopter, shows the aircraft wreckage in a densely wooded area, fueling concerns that no one may have survived the impact.
Emergency services official Yuliya Petina stated on Telegram: “During the search operation, a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire. Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.”
Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash, raising questions about the continued use of aging aircraft in the region.
