Tragic An-24 Plane Crash in Russia Claims Lives of All 48 Passengers and Crew

All 48 individuals on board an Antonov An-24 passenger aircraft that crashed in Russia’s Far East on Thursday have died, according to regional officials. In response, police have initiated a criminal investigation into potential breaches of aviation safety regulations.

The Angara Airlines flight lost communication with ground control around 1 p.m. local time while traveling several kilometers away from the Tynda airport. The plane had taken off from Khabarovsk, stopped in Blagoveshchensk, and was en route to Tynda. Among those on the flight were six crew members.

Emergency services indicated that the plane did not send out a distress call or report any mechanical problems prior to its disappearance from radar. Rescue teams later found the burnt wreckage approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Tynda, which has a population of fewer than 30,000 people.

«Preliminary reports indicate that there are no survivors from the An-24 crash in the Tynda district. Rescue personnel have arrived on the scene,» Amur region Governor Vasily Orlov stated in a Telegram message, announcing a three-day mourning period for the tragedy.

«This devastating incident has resulted in the loss of 48 lives,» Orlov said. «I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. The entire region is mourning with you.»

Initially, authorities had reported that 49 individuals were on the aircraft.

The Investigative Committee of Russia, which looks into serious crimes, also confirmed that everyone on the passenger plane had perished, stating that forensic experts and aviation specialists were sent to the crash site to aid in the investigation and gather evidence.

The investigative agency reported that Alexander Bastrykin, its chief investigator, has directed transportation investigators in the Far East to compile and submit a report on their findings as soon as possible.

Earlier, the state-operated TASS news agency quoted an anonymous emergency official who noted that the crash site was situated in a remote, mountainous region, complicating rescue helicopter access.

Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations released footage from a rescue helicopter approaching the wreckage, with smoke rising from a densely forested area.

Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed reporters that President Vladimir Putin had been updated on the incident.

According to Chinese state media, at least one Chinese national was among those on the flight. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences to Putin, stating that he “would like to convey my profound sympathy to the victims and heartfelt support to their families.”

The An-24, a twin-turboprop aircraft from the Soviet era, was over 50 years old, as indicated by civil aviation authorities referenced by TASS. The aircraft had received a renewed airworthiness certification in 2021, permitting it to remain operational until 2036.

Reporting by AFP contributed to this story.