NEW DELHI: A passenger plane has reportedly carrying six people on board, crashed in the mountainous region of Badakhshan province in northern Afghanistan, according to a government official. Russian aviation authorities on Sunday said that a Russian-registered medical aircraft vanished from radar over Afghanistan late Saturday night, after local Afghan police said they had received reports of a crash.The region, known for its challenging terrain, could significantly complicate search and rescue operations.
Here’s what we know so far-
Initial reports of the crash
The aircraft, identified as a Dassault Falcon 10 jet, was manufactured in 1978 and was operating as a charter ambulance flight. It was traveling from India, passing through Uzbekistan, en route to Moscow when it lost contact. Russian authorities stated that the plane’s last known position was over Afghanistan.
Local police in northern Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province reported receiving information about a possible plane crash in the area.
Statement from provincial official
Zabihullah Amiri, the provincial head of the information and cultural department, said, “The plane crashed in the high mountains of Badakhshan province.” He mentioned that a rescue team has been sent to the site of the crash, but there has been no immediate information regarding the state of the situation or potential casualties.
Clarification from India’s civil aviation ministry
The lack of specific details about the crashed aircraft has led to confusion and speculation. In a significant clarification, India’s civil aviation ministry denied reports from a local Afghan news outlet claiming that the aircraft was an Indian passenger plane. This denial has shifted attention away from initial assumptions about the aircraft’s origins, prompting a broader investigation into the incident.
Here’s what we know so far-
Initial reports of the crash
The aircraft, identified as a Dassault Falcon 10 jet, was manufactured in 1978 and was operating as a charter ambulance flight. It was traveling from India, passing through Uzbekistan, en route to Moscow when it lost contact. Russian authorities stated that the plane’s last known position was over Afghanistan.
Local police in northern Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province reported receiving information about a possible plane crash in the area.
Statement from provincial official
Zabihullah Amiri, the provincial head of the information and cultural department, said, “The plane crashed in the high mountains of Badakhshan province.” He mentioned that a rescue team has been sent to the site of the crash, but there has been no immediate information regarding the state of the situation or potential casualties.
Clarification from India’s civil aviation ministry
The lack of specific details about the crashed aircraft has led to confusion and speculation. In a significant clarification, India’s civil aviation ministry denied reports from a local Afghan news outlet claiming that the aircraft was an Indian passenger plane. This denial has shifted attention away from initial assumptions about the aircraft’s origins, prompting a broader investigation into the incident.
Challenges in rescue operations
The challenging terrain of Badakhshan province, known for its rugged, inaccessible areas, poses a substantial obstacle to the rescue and recovery efforts. The situation remains fluid as search teams endeavor to reach the crash site and assess the situation.
International response and concerns
The international community is closely monitoring developments. The lack of immediate details has raised concerns about the safety of those on board and the circumstances leading up to the crash. Further information is awaited as rescue teams make their way to the site and begin their investigation into this tragic incident.
(With inputs from agencies)
