World leaders express condolences over plane crash in Russia

An An-24 passenger aircraft flying from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda in Russia’s Amur Region has crashed. There were 43 people on board, including six crew members. The aircraft disappeared from radar during an attempted second landing.

Preliminary reports indicate that there are no survivors. This was announced by the region’s Governor, Vasily Orlov, on social media.

“I am declaring a three-day mourning period in the region. On 25, 26, and 27 July, flags will be flown at half-mast across all territories of the Amur Region,” he wrote.

The wreckage of the aircraft was discovered in the area where contact was previously lost.

By order of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, a governmental commission has been formed to deal with the consequences of the tragedy, according to the Cabinet’s press service. The commission is headed by Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin. Assistance and compensation will be provided to the relatives of the victims.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi expressed condolences over the tragedy.

“On behalf of the Egyptian people, I extend my deepest condolences to my friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and to the people of Russia over the loss of life in the crash of a passenger aircraft in eastern Russia. I sincerely sympathise with the families of the victims,” he wrote on social media.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India stands in solidarity with Russia. His message was conveyed by Asian News International (ANI), a partner of TV BRICS.

"Deeply saddened at the loss of lives in the tragic plane crash in Russia. Extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims," he said.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent condolences. Condolences were also sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Co-Presidents of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo,  Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and others.

Belarusian leader Aleksander Lukashenko, in a telegram sent to his Russian counterpart, noted that the Republic of Belarus received the news of the numerous casualties with deep sorrow. On behalf of the Belarusian people and in his own name, he extended words of sympathy and condolence to the families and friends of the deceased.

In addition, condolences were expressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as announced at a briefing by Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq.

Photo: iStock