8 killed in India rescue helicopter crash

8 killed in India rescue helicopter crash

PanARMENIAN.Net - Eight people have been killed in northern India when a rescue helicopter helping flood relief efforts crashed near a pilgrimage site, BBC News said.

The Indian Air Force says the victims were five crew members and three civilians.

The helicopter, a Russian-made Mi-17, was on a rescue mission near Gaurikund in the state of Uttarakhand.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in the area in flash floods and landslides.

The military is leading efforts to evacuate around 6,000 pilgrims and tourists still stranded throughout the state since the floods hit on 15 June.

Swollen rivers have swept away entire villages in Uttarakhand, where there were many travellers in what is peak tourist season.

A spokesman for the air force in the state says the reasons for the crash are being investigated. About 60 air force helicopters are being used in the rescue effort.

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