Russia Plane Crash Near China Border: All 48 Killed; PM Modi Expresses Deep Condolences
A tragic aviation accident has shaken Russia and drawn international attention. A passenger plane operated by Angara Airlines crashed near the China border in Russia’s remote Amur region, resulting in the death of all 48 people on board. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly before its scheduled landing at Tynda Airport.
PM Modi Offers Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Taking to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the death of people in the tragic plane crash in Russia. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity with Russia and its people.”
His statement reflects India’s solidarity with Russia during this devastating tragedy.
Aircraft Crashes in Remote Forested Region
The flight was en route from Khabarovsk to Tynda when it lost contact and disappeared from radar. The crash occurred in a densely forested area of the Far East, nearly 7,000 kilometers from Moscow. Emergency teams later confirmed that the plane caught fire upon impact, leaving no survivors.
Old Aircraft and Bad Weather Suspected
According to Russian media reports, the aircraft involved was over 50 years old. Interfax, a leading Russian news agency, cited poor weather conditions at the time of the crash as a possible contributing factor. Strong winds, low visibility, and heavy snowfall were reported in the region.
Images circulating on social media show the burnt wreckage scattered across a thick forest with smoke billowing into the sky. These visuals have only added to the emotional weight of the tragedy.
Remote Location Delayed Rescue Efforts
Due to the crash occurring in a secluded part of the Amur region, rescue operations were significantly delayed. Officials stated that it took hours for emergency teams to reach the site by air and on foot. A crew aboard an MI-8 helicopter confirmed the wreckage was discovered, and there were no signs of life at the crash site.
Only Minutes From Safety
Local Governor Vasily Orlov confirmed in a Telegram post that the plane was just a few kilometers away from Tynda Airport when it lost communication. “They were almost at their destination,” he wrote, emphasizing the closeness to safety that tragically slipped away.
The director of Tynda Airport revealed that the plane burst into flames upon crashing. Officials are now investigating the black box and other technical evidence to determine the exact cause.
Global Reactions Pour In
Apart from PM Modi, leaders from various nations have also expressed grief and solidarity with Russia. Aviation safety experts have called for a renewed focus on upgrading older aircraft still in service in remote parts of Russia, especially in extreme weather zones like Siberia and the Far East.
Investigation Underway
Russian aviation authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports suggest a mix of outdated aircraft design, poor visibility, and extreme winter conditions may have played a role.
Angara Airlines, the operator of the ill-fated aircraft, has grounded similar models pending the outcome of the investigation.
Highlights:
- All 48 people on board killed in Russia’s Far East plane crash
- Aircraft lost contact with ATC moments before landing near Tynda
- PM Narendra Modi extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families
- Crash site located 7000 km from Moscow, in dense forest area
- Aircraft reportedly over 50 years old, bad weather suspected
- Investigation launched to determine the cause of crash
