Mi-8 helicopter crashes in Yakutia, 23 killed, 5 survivors left

Twenty-three people were killed as a result of the crash of the Mi-8 helicopter in Yakutia. Five people, including a child, survived the crash. The list of victims includes several high-ranking officials.

Photo: Source: Itar-Tass

"The helicopter's rotor touched a rock and crashed. Three crew members and a woman with a child survived. Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic, Alexander Morozkin, the head of the Republican investment company, Victor Efimov, and a representative of diamond company ALROSA are among the killed," Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic, Anatoly Skrybykin said.

There were eleven children on board the helicopter, the official added.

Two rescue helicopters were sent to the crash site, but only one of them reached the point of destination. The helicopter landed 15 kilometers south of the alleged crash site due to the difficult terrain: taiga, mountains and absence of roads, says the ministry. The second helicopter had to abort the mission due to bad weather conditions.