At least eight people missing in Russia helicopter crash
Moscow, Aug 12 (EFE).- At least eight people are missing and feared dead after a helicopter carrying 16 people, out of which 13 were tourists, crashed in a lake on the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia’s Far East, according to local authorities.
The wreckage of the helicopter is some 800 meters from the coast and over 130 meters deep under water, making it hard for emergency teams to reach, the region’s governor, Vladimir Solodov, told Interfax news agency.
According to Interfax, the helicopter’s crew attempted an emergency landing after noticing a technical failure.
But due to the dense fog and limited visibility, the pilot landed on water instead of land.
The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case into the alleged violation of safety requirements during the flight.
The helicopter was operated by the Vityaz-Aero company and had been in service since 1984.
Out of the eight rescued survivors, four have been admitted to hospital and two are in serious condition.
Kuril Lake, whose deepest point is 306 meters, is a popular tourist destination for Russians during the summer season.
Most visitors reach the lake on helicopters, which usually fly six to seven groups a day. EFE
aj/mp/lv
