All those on board the Antonov An-24 aircraft that crashed in Russia’s Amur Region have been confirmed dead, according to regional emergency services, TASS reports.
The aircraft reportedly caught fire upon impact, and no survivors were detected during an aerial survey of the crash site.
“The plane caught fire upon crashing,” the press service of the regional Civil Defense and Fire Safety Center reported, citing the director of Tynda Airport. “During the Mi-8 helicopter flyover, no signs of life were observed.”
Earlier, emergency services told TASS that, based on preliminary data, there were no survivors among those on board.
Rescue operations are ongoing, but helicopters have been unable to land at the crash site due to the mountainous and difficult-to-access terrain. A fire is currently burning at the scene.
According to emergency service sources, the aircraft was carrying 40 passengers, including two children, along with six crew members. However, Amur Region Governor Vasily Orlov later stated that, based on initial information, there were 43 passengers on board, including five children, in addition to the six crew members.
Authorities are continuing efforts to reach the site by ground and air, as investigations into the cause of the crash begin.
