The wreckage of a plane carrying 49 people has been discovered in Russia’s Far East. Local emergency services confirmed that the burning fuselage of the aircraft was located on a hillside south of its intended destination, Tynda. Russian state media circulated images depicting debris scattered throughout the dense forest, accompanied by billowing smoke.
According to Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry, an initial aerial assessment of the crash site indicated there were likely no survivors. Weather conditions in the area were reported to be adverse at the time. The transport prosecutor’s office noted that the crash occurred approximately 15 kilometres from Tynda, with reports indicating that the aircraft lost contact while attempting a second landing approach.
The An-24 passenger plane, operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines, was en route from Blagoveshchensk on the Russian-Chinese border to Tynda. There were 43 passengers on board, including five children, and six crew members. However, there appears to be a discrepancy regarding the total number of individuals on the flight, with authorities initially stating there were 48 aboard.
In response to the incident, an investigation has been initiated into potential breaches of flight safety regulations resulting in fatalities, which is standard protocol following aviation accidents.