An Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying about 50 people crashed in Russia’s Far East on Thursday, with initial reports indicating that all on board were killed, according to Russian emergency services officials.
The burning fuselage of the nearly 50-year-old Soviet-era aircraft was located by a rescue helicopter, and emergency crews were racing to the scene.
Unverified video footage, shot from a helicopter and shared on social media, appeared to show the aircraft wreckage in a densely forested area.
The plane, bearing a tail number indicating it was built in 1976, was operated by Angara Airlines, a Siberia-based carrier. It was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it disappeared from radar while approaching Tynda, a remote town in Russia’s Amur region bordering China.
According to preliminary data shared by regional governor Vasily Orlov, there were 43 passengers on board, including five children, along with six crew members. The Emergencies Ministry provided a slightly lower estimate of around 40 people on board.
Debris was discovered on a hill approximately 15 kilometers (10 miles) from Tynda, the Interfax news agency reported, citing emergency officials.
“During the search operation, a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” emergency services official Yuliya Petina wrote on Telegram. “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.”
Authorities have announced an investigation into the crash.
