3 killed in helicopter crash in Russia’s Far East

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - A helicopter crash in Russia’s Far East region of Amur killed all three on board, state media reported early Tuesday.

Citing the press service of Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry in the region, the state news agency Tass initially reported that search and rescue efforts were underway after a Robinson R66 helicopter went missing following an unregistered flight a day earlier.

Indicating that the crash took place in the region’s Zeysky district, Tass later reported that the crash site of the helicopter was located.

“The helicopter has been found, all three (on board) have died. The helicopter was found in the same place where the (emergency) beacon was left,” the report said, citing the Zeysky district’s emergency dispatch service.

Around 20 people, as well as equipment, including all-terrain vehicles and a Mi-8 helicopter, were involved in the search and rescue efforts, the region’s Center for Civil Defense and Fire Safety said on Telegram.