A plane crash in Russia's Far East has killed 48 people, the governor of Amur Oblast said.
The An-24 passenger plane disappeared from radar during a flight from the city of Blagoveshchensk, located on the Russian-Chinese border, to the city of Tynda.
Rescue crews later found the burning wreckage of the plane in dense forest on a hillside south of the planned destination.
Governor Vasily Orlov said all passengers, including five children, and crew members had died in the crash. He also declared three days of mourning.
Photos of the scene released by Russian state media showed debris scattered among dense forest, surrounded by clouds of smoke.
Russian news agency Interfax, citing unnamed sources in emergency services, reported that there were adverse weather conditions at the time of the accident.
Several Russian news agencies also reported that the plane had been in service for nearly 50 years, citing data obtained from its registration number.
The Far East Transport Prosecutor's Office said the crash site was nine miles south of Tynda.
The department reported that the plane made a second attempt to land when contact with it was lost.
The plane initially took off from Khabarovsk, then headed to Blagoveshchensk, and then to Tynda.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the alleged breach of aviation safety that led to multiple casualties, which is standard procedure in aviation accidents.
Such incidents have become more frequent in Russia, especially in recent years, as international sanctions have put pressure on the country's aviation industry.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
