An An-26 aircraft with 28 people on board disappeared from radar in the Kamchatka region, in the eastern part of Russia. According to the TASS agency, the plane, which was operating the route Petropavlovsk-Palana, lost contact with the control tower while it was in the process of landing.
A spokesman for the Emergency Situations Service said: “There are a total of six crew members and 22 passengers (including a child) on board the An-26 aircraft. “A helicopter and troops of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations are preparing for a search and rescue mission.”
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According to a statement from local authorities, “all emergency services were notified and sent to inspect the route of the aircraft. Two helicopters and a special aircraft are exploring the area. “Rescue troops are ready to move from Palana to the detection point of the aircraft.” Based on the first available data, it is estimated that the plane may have fallen into the sea or crashed near a coal mine located in the area of Palana.
A criminal investigation has already been launched due to the violation of the safety rules since the traces of the aircraft have been lost. “Investigative authorities of the Far East Investigation Directorate of Russia have opened a criminal case for a crime related to Part 3 of Article 263 of the Russian Penal Code concerning violation of traffic safety and air traffic rules,” the authorities said.
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