In a dramatic incident early Thursday morning, an An-24 passenger plane from the Russian airline 'Polar Airlines' made an emergency landing on the frozen Kolyma River in Yakutia.
The plane, en route from Yakutsk to Srednekolymsk, ended its journey far from the planned runway, prompting a significant rescue operation. This is reported by Lenta.
According to initial reports from Rosaviation, there were 30 passengers, including two children, and four crew members on board. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, and all those on board were quickly evacuated and brought to safety.
Will Be Investigated
While the exact reasons for the emergency landing have not yet been established, preliminary investigations suggest that pilot error may have been the cause.
The East Siberian transport prosecutor has announced that a commission from Yakutsk's aviation administration, investigators from the Eastern Interregional Investigation Directorate, and the airline's management are on their way to the site to investigate the incident further.
Rosaviation has classified the incident as a serious aviation event and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances and causes behind the plane's unexpected landing. It is currently unclear whether the plane has sustained any damage, and a decision on possible towing will be made later.
This aircraft, an An-24, has been in operation for over 50 years. The plane has served at least four different airlines since its first flight in 1971, testifying to its long and varied history.
