Pakistan, July 24 -- A Russian passenger aircraft carrying nearly 50 people has gone missing near the country's border with China, triggering a large-scale search operation. The An-24 plane, operated by the Siberian airline Angara, disappeared from radar screens on Thursday while approaching the town of Tynda in Russia's far eastern Amur region.

Authorities quickly responded after air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane. According to preliminary reports, 43 passengers were on board, including five children, along with six crew members. Regional governor Vasily Orlov confirmed the incident and said that all available emergency teams are now involved in the search.

However, the Russian emergencies ministry has given slightly d...