PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Russian Plane Crash, Extends Condolences: 'We Stand In Solidarity'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic plane crash in Russia’s Far East, which claimed the lives of all 48 people on board. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, PM Modi stated, “Deeply saddened at the loss of lives in the tragic plane crash in Russia. Extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity with Russia and its people.”

The incident occurred on Thursday, July 24, 2025, when a twin-turboprop Antonov An-24 aircraft operated by Angara Airlines lost contact during its landing approach near the town of Tynda in the Amur region. The flight had departed from Khabarovsk, stopped in Blagoveshchensk near the Russian-Chinese border, and was headed to Tynda.

Deeply saddened at the loss of lives in the tragic plane crash in Russia. Extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity with Russia and its people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025

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Wreckage Found On Mountainside

Emergency responders later discovered the burning fuselage on a mountainside, about 16 kilometres from the intended destination. The dense taiga forests and marshy terrain in the area severely complicated search and recovery efforts. No distress signal was sent before the plane disappeared from radar.

Preliminary reports vary slightly in the number of passengers. Emergency services stated there were 40 passengers (including two children) and six crew members, while the Amur region’s governor reported 43 passengers (including five children) and six crew. All 48 individuals are confirmed dead, according to officials.

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Investigation Launched into Cause

Russian authorities have opened a criminal case under Article 263, Part 3 of the Criminal Code, citing violations of air traffic safety rules leading to multiple deaths. Investigators suspect that crew error during a low-visibility landing may have caused the crash. The plane’s last inspection was conducted in July 2025 by Rostransnadzor, Russia’s transportation safety authority.