Helicopter carrying 20 people crashes in Russia, resulting in fatalities
A Mi-8 helicopter carrying 20 people has crashed in Russia's Magadan Oblast, killing at least two people, according to some reports, while others indicate one fatality.
Source: Russian Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor's Office; Russian Telegram channels
Quote from the prosecutor’s office: "Early reports indicate that the cause of the incident was an engine malfunction."
Details: The helicopter crash occurred at 11:05 local time, approximately 75 km from the town of Evensk in the Severo-Evensky district of Magadan Oblast.
The Mi-8, operated by Dalnerechensk Avia, was transporting employees from a gold mine en route from the Kvartsevy landing site to Omsukchan Airport.
On board the aircraft were 20 people, including 3 crew members. Various Russian Telegram channels report one or two fatalities. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Why this is important: There has been an increase in aircraft accidents in Russia following the imposition of sanctions against Russia due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This has been attributed to a shortage of necessary parts previously imported from Western countries.
Background:
- A month ago, a Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Karelia.
- Radio Liberty's Russian Service reported that an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft had crashed near Severny air base in Ivanovo Oblast, Russia, on 12 March. There were eight crew members and seven passengers on board.
Support UP or become our patron!
