A Russian Antonov An-24 aircraft carrying nearly 50 people went missing on July 24 while on approach to Tynda, a town in the Amur region near Russia's border with China. The aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, lost contact shortly before it was expected to land.

According to Amur regional governor Vasily Orlov, the aircraft was carrying 43 passengers, including five children, along with six crew members, bringing the total to 49 individuals. Initial reports had suggested about 50 people were on board, but the exact number remains unclear as Russia’s emergencies ministry cited a lower estimate of approximately 40 people.

Search and rescue operations have been launched immediately. Governor Orlov confirmed that all available regional emergency services are being deployed to locate the missing plane. The search teams are currently scouring the area around Tynda, but so far, no wreckage or sign of survivors has been discovered.

The Antonov An-24 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft widely used in regional transport across Russia’s vast and often remote territories. The circumstances surrounding the aircraft's disappearance remain unknown, and there has been no official statement on weather conditions or potential mechanical issues at the time of the incident.

This incident has heightened concerns over aviation safety in the region, especially given the challenging terrain and often harsh flying conditions in Russia's far eastern territories. The situation is developing, and authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.