2024-09-03 01:20:18
In the eastern Russian peninsula of Kamchatka, the remains of the Mi-8 helicopter that disappeared yesterday with 22 people on board, as well as 17 bodies of those who died in the crash, were found, the Russian Ministry of Emergencies reported, as quoted by France Press.
“17 bodies have already been found,” the Russian ministry said in a statement, adding that the search has ended for today and will resume tomorrow at dawn in the area of the incident, BTA reported.
The ministry released a video of the search in the volcanic area, showing the wreckage of the crashed helicopter on the ground, filmed from the air by a rescue helicopter.
The Mi-8 helicopter disappeared from radar yesterday in Kamchatka, where accidents involving aircraft, often technically outdated, remain frequent.
Authorities said an initial flyover of the area to locate the helicopter and the 22 people on board (19 passengers and three crew members) was unsuccessful yesterday due to poor visibility before resuming today.
A group of rescuers and two helicopters were dispatched to the suspected crash site on the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula.
An investigation into the incident has begun, the regional branch of the Russian Investigative Committee announced today. “The circumstances of the incident are being established,” the statement said.
The Mi-8 is a Soviet-made military helicopter, according to AFP.