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Tragedy in the Skies
Nearly 50 people, including children, are feared dead following the crash of a Soviet-era passenger plane in Russia’s far-eastern Amur region, according to state media citing local officials. The aircraft, an Antonov An-24, vanished from radar near 1 p.m. local time during a regional flight from Khabarovsk to Blagoveshchensk and Tynda.
Grim Discovery on the Mountain
Search and rescue teams located the wreckage on a remote mountain slope about 10 miles (16 km) from the town of Tynda. No survivors were spotted from the helicopter that found the crash site. Officials reported the aircraft caught fire upon impact.
Poor Weather and Low Visibility
AccuWeather experts noted the crash occurred under rainy, overcast skies. Local weather data showed visibility may have dropped to just 2 miles in some places, contributing to the dangerous conditions surrounding the accident.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations launched an investigation into the incident, alongside the Interstate Aviation Committee. A special commission comprising federal and regional officials has been formed, and President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the tragedy.
Details Emerge About the Aircraft and Passengers
The Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office revealed that the plane crashed during a second landing attempt after failing to land initially. The crew did not send any distress signals. TASS reported that despite poor conditions, the weather at the airport was considered flyable. The Antonov An-24, built in 1976 and originally designed in 1957, had 43 passengers on board — including five children — and six crew members. All are presumed dead.
Mourning and Rescue Challenges
Governor Vasiliy Orlov confirmed that rescue efforts were ongoing with extensive personnel deployed. However, the swampy, roadless terrain made access difficult. The Amur region declared three days of mourning and established a hotline for families and those affected. The flight was operated by Angara Airlines, based in Irkutsk, Siberia.
