At least 15 killed as helicopter crashes in Russia’s Yakutia

PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 15 people were killed in a Mil Mi-8 helicopter crash landed on Tuesday, July 2, in Russia's Siberian republic of Yakutia (Sakha), the regional interior ministry said, according to RIA Novosti.

The helicopter, which belongs to the Polyarnye Avialinii airline, was on a routine passenger transport flight when it failed to establish contact with air controllers at the designated time.

“The helicopter carried 25 people including three crew members; at least 15 people were killed according to preliminary information,” a ministry’s spokesman said.

Two search-and-rescue helicopters and an An-26 plane with emergencies workers and medics have been dispatched to the landing site, the official said.

Meanwhile, the regional emergencies center earlier reported that there were 28 people on board, including three crew members and 11 children.

The helicopter crash landed 50 kilometers from the originating point – an airfield near the village of Deputatsky – after the pilots reportedly lost control of the aircraft due to severe turbulence.