A cargo plane crashed in Russia's Far Eastern Kolyma region, killing 11 people after it disappeared from radar screens, a transport official was quoted as saying by state news agency RIA Novosti.

The Antonov-12, which was flying to the far-flung region of Chukotka, was on its way to make an emergency landing when air traffic controllers lost track of the craft.

A search and rescue team had been sent out to find the craft and those on board. (Reuters)