Helikopterulykke - Igjen

Helicopter crash kills many in Russia's Sakha Republic

 

The Mi-8 helicopter is widely used in Russia and abroad

A transport helicopter has crashed and burst into flame in a polar region of Siberia with the loss of 19 lives, the Russian authorities say.

The Mi-8 helicopter came down 66km (41 miles) from the village of Deputatsky in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia).

Three crew members and 25 passengers were on board, the Interstate Aviation Committee in Moscow said, adding that it had opened an inquiry.

Helicopters are frequently used for transport in remote parts of Siberia.

According to the Interstate Aviation Committee, the helicopter was flying with Polar Airlines, based in the city of Yakutsk.