File photo of an Antonov An-12 cargo plane - the same model involved in today's crash. AP Photo/Fabian Bimmer, File

11 feared dead in Siberian plane crash

Russian officials launch investigation into today’s crash, but say rescuers have not been able to reach the plane due to its remote location and poor weather conditions.

RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES say they believe all 11 people on board a Russian cargo plane were killed when the aircraft crashed in a remote eastern part of the country today.

The plane sent a distress signal shortly after take-off, warning that one of its four engines had caught fire. The pilots were attempting to return to the airport in Magadan when contact was lost with the aircraft.

Prosecutors say that the Antonov An-12 plane crashed in a deep forest. Poor visibility due to fog is understood to be hampering efforts to reach the wreckage.

Russia Today reports that a criminal investigation has been opened into the crash over the suspected violation of pre-flight procedures and aviation rules.

- Additional reporting by the AP

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