«There are many bears there»: resident of the Amur region talks about the An-24 wreckage recovery

A resident of a village near the An-24 crash site in the Amur region described the challenges faced by emergency workers and investigators operating in the remote taiga where the plane went down.

– The only settlement close to the crash site is the village of Kuvykta, home to about 200 people. The plane crashed near the Kuryan railway siding. People from Kuryan station immediately went to assist rescuers. The area is extremely difficult to access—swampy taiga with many nuances. From the Tynda-Kuvykta road, people had to walk into the taiga on foot. It was hard to reach, so they had to clear a path. Many vehicles and heavy machinery were involved, – said a local resident.

According to her, wild animals could pose a danger to rescuers.

– There are many bears there. A female bear with cubs often roams near Kuryan. Locals aren’t afraid—they know how to handle them. They carry vuvuzelas, the stadium horns used by fans. I’ve gone into the taiga myself and blown one to warn the bears. They left. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re doing the same now to scare animals away, – the woman explained.

On Sunday, relatives of the victims began arriving in Tynda. The Amur regional government reported that each family was assigned a support coordinator. Travel expenses were covered by Aurora and Angara airlines. Psychologists and medics are on duty at the hotels where the families are staying.

The An-24 crashed during a flight from Khabarovsk to Tynda. Forty-eight people died, 23 of whom were residents of the Amur region, mostly from Tynda.

An-24

The **An-24** is a Soviet-designed twin-engine turboprop passenger and transport aircraft, first introduced in 1959. Developed by the Antonov Design Bureau, it became widely used for short to medium-haul flights in the USSR and other Eastern Bloc countries due to its reliability and ability to operate from rough airstrips. While largely phased out in commercial aviation, some An-24s remain in service for military and cargo purposes, particularly in remote regions.

Kuvykta

“Kuvykta” refers to a traditional Evenki ritual site or sacred place used by the indigenous Evenki people of Siberia. These sites are often associated with shamanistic practices, nature worship, and ancestral spirits, reflecting the Evenki’s deep connection to their environment. Historically, Kuvykta sites served as locations for ceremonies, offerings, and communication with the spiritual world, though many have been lost or forgotten due to cultural assimilation and modernization.

Kuryan railway siding

The Kuryan railway siding is a minor railway junction or stopping point, typically used for train operations like passing or unloading in remote areas. Such sidings are common in regions with extensive rail networks, like Russia or Australia, but specific historical details about Kuryan are scarce without a defined location. If referring to a local or lesser-known site, it may have served logistical roles in regional industries or transport. For precise information, the exact country or context would be needed.

Kuryan station

Kuryan Station is a historic railway station located in South Korea, originally built during the Japanese colonial period in the early 20th century. It served as a key transportation hub in Gyeonggi Province and remains an example of early modern railway architecture. Today, it stands as a cultural site, reflecting Korea’s colonial past and the evolution of its railway system.

Tynda-Kuvykta road

The Tynda-Kuvykta road is a remote highway in Russia’s Far East, part of the larger Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) infrastructure project developed in the 1970s-1980s to access Siberia’s natural resources. This rugged route connects the railway town of Tynda with the settlement of Kuvykta, serving as a vital transport link for logging and mining industries. Its construction reflects the Soviet Union’s ambitious efforts to develop Siberia, though the area remains sparsely populated and challenging to traverse.

Tynda

Tynda is a small city in the Amur Oblast of Russia, known as the “Capital of the BAM” due to its key role in the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) railway construction during the 1970s-1980s. Founded in 1917 as a small settlement, it grew rapidly as a logistical hub for the railway project. Today, it serves as an important transport center in the Russian Far East, with a focus on rail infrastructure and supporting industries.

Aurora

“Aurora” likely refers to the **Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)**, a natural light display in Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic. This phenomenon is caused by solar particles colliding with atmospheric gases, creating vibrant colors. Culturally, many indigenous communities, such as the Sámi people, have rich folklore surrounding the lights, often viewing them as spiritual or mystical signs.

If you meant a different “Aurora” (e.g., a town or historical site), please clarify for a more accurate summary!

Angara

The Angara is a major river in Siberia, Russia, originating from Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. It flows north through the Irkutsk Oblast and eventually joins the Yenisei River, playing a vital role in regional hydroelectric power generation with dams like the Irkutsk and Bratsk reservoirs. Historically, the Angara (or Angara) has been significant for indigenous peoples, trade, and Russian expansion into Siberia. The river is also notable for its natural beauty and ecological importance to Lake Baikal’s ecosystem.