A Mi-8 helicopter with passengers on board has crashed in the Krasnoyarsk region of Siberia, in Russia. According to preliminary reports, 18 people have died in the crash.

According to an emergency services source cited by TASS, the helicopter was operated by the Utair airline. It was carrying 15 passengers and three crew members, the Emergencies Ministry has estimated. The helicopter was reportedly taking workers to an oil well.

The crash took place shortly after take-off, with the helicopter's fuel tanks full. The resulting fire reportedly completely incinerated the aircraft.

The Krasnoyarsk region branch of the Emergencies Ministry has confirmed a helicopter performed a "hard landing" in the area at 10:20 am local time (3:20 GMT), and said details are being clarified.

Source: RT

BDST: 1022 HRS, AUG 4, 2018

AH