At least 15 killed as helicopter crash lands in Russia's Far East

VLADIVOSTOK, July 2 (Xinhua) -- A Mil Mi-8 helicopter carrying a 3-men crew and at least 25 passengers crash landed on Tuesday in Russia's Far Eastern republic of Yakutia (Sakha), RIA Novosti news agency reported.

The helicopter, which belongs to the Polyarnye Avialinii airline, was on a routine passenger transport flight when it failed to establish contact with air controllers at the designated time.

The helicopter landed 45 kilometers from the originating point -- an airfield near the village of Deputatsky. According to preliminary data, 15 people were killed.

Two search-and-rescue helicopters with emergencies workers and medics have been dispatched to the landing site, the center said.

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