This file photo taken on March 16, 2016 shows a handout picture taken on March 16, 2016 and released by the Russian Defence Ministry, of a Russian Il-76 transport plane. (AFP Photo)
At least six people have died after a Russian plane on a fire-fighting mission crashed in Siberia, Russian news agencies reported today.
Rescue workers found the Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane in the early hours of today morning in Russia's Irkutsk region, according to a statement on the Emergency Situations Ministry website.
A photo accompanying the statement showed the plane smashed to pieces in dense forest, with the tail but little else intact.
RIA news agency said six bodies had been found at the scene of the crash. It is believed there were 10 people on board the plane, which had been missing since Friday, so the death toll could rise.
A search-and-rescue operation has been launched involving land and air teams.
Russia has been criticised for its poor air safety record, and airplane crashes are frequent.
The multi-purpose Il-76 plane has been used by the Russian air force during Russia's military campaign in Syria.
© Thomson Reuters 2016