According to initial information, the plane was carrying 7 crew members at the time of the crash. Their condition is currently unknown and there has been no official confirmation of casualties.
Emergency forces were dispatched to the scene. Rescue and collection of debris are ongoing, although access may be difficult due to the large size of the plane and the terrain in the area.
Local television reported that the plane crash occurred in furmanovsky district, the flight had 7 crew members. Another Russian source said the plane could be from the Russian Defense Ministry.
There has been no official statement from the Russian military or local authorities. The cause of the incident has not been verified.
The An-22 Antei was developed during the Soviet era, and is the world's largest phagoculture aircraft. Launched in the 1960s, this type of aircraft is capable of transporting heavy goods, including vehicles and military equipment, over long distances.
The aircraft uses four turbine engines with reverse-wings and high-altitude wings, and is still maintained by Russia in a limited capacity despite its old age.
Notably, Russian agencies had previously said that the Aerospace Forces (AKS) would stop operating the An-22 from 2024. The crash has prompted public opinion to question whether the plane has been officially suspended or transferred to another state security agency.
