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Search operation for lost An-2 aircraft expands in south Siberia

KEMEROVO, August 1. /TASS/. Locals, forest rangers and policemen are participating in the search operation for the An-2 aircraft lost in the Krapivinsky district of the Kemerovo Region, Russian Emergencies Ministry’s Siberian regional center said on Monday.

"Two groups on the ground include officers of the Russian Emergencies Ministry in the Kemerovo Region, as well as policemen, forest rangers, locals. They are examining the territory where the aircraft is suspected to have crashed, including along the Tom River with boats. Specialists started to use drones when the sun rose," the press service said adding that cynologists also take part in the search operation.

Two Mi-8 helicopters are ready to take off from airports in Abakan (Khakassia) and Krasnoyarsk. "The take-off planned for 6am local time has been delayed due to weather conditions. As soon as weather allows, the search operation will be strengthened from the air," the press service added.

It was earlier reported that An-2 with three people onboard lost contact on Sunday after it set off from Berdsk to Krasnoyarsk. A group of rescuers examined the territory of the Krapivinsky district. Eyewitnesses said they saw the aircraft in the afternoon. However, the Emergencies Ministry said it is hard to say whether they saw the lost An-2.