No signs of survivors as rescue teams face difficult terrain.
A plane carrying nearly 50 crashes in Russia’s remote Amur region has left authorities fearing the worst, with no immediate signs of survivors.
The aircraft, an Antonov-24 operated by Angara Airlines, disappeared from radar around 1:00 pm local time while flying from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda. The plane was carrying between 43 and 47 passengers, including children, along with six crew members.
A rescue helicopter later located the burning wreckage on a forested mountain slope, about 16 kilometers from Tynda. Videos shared by Russian investigators showed smoke rising from the crash site deep in the woods.
Local emergency officials said there were no visible signs of life. Harsh terrain has slowed rescue efforts. The regional civil defense agency confirmed that 25 rescuers and five vehicles have been sent, while four aircraft remain on standby.
“The main search operations are being conducted from the air,” one official told state media, noting the challenges of reaching the remote area by land.
According to initial reports, the aircraft had attempted a second approach to land at Tynda Airport before losing contact. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with authorities yet to release any conclusions.
Reports also indicate that the aircraft was nearly 50 years old, though its airworthiness certificate had been extended until 2036. The Antonov-24 is a Soviet-era twin-propeller plane introduced in 1959 and is still used in Russia’s far-flung regions despite efforts to modernize the country’s aviation fleet.
Angara Airlines, based in Irkutsk, has not yet issued a public statement.
Russian aviation accidents are not uncommon in remote areas, where older aircraft remain in use and harsh weather often adds to flight risks.
Authorities continue their search and investigation as the nation awaits official confirmation on the fate of those on board.
A similar tragedy involving mishandled remains also shocked families after the Air India crash, as detailed in this report.
