17 bodies found after Russian tourist helicopter crash

A tragic incident occurred in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula when a helicopter carrying 22 people, mostly tourists, crashed. The helicopter, a Mi-8T model, took off from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano on Saturday but soon disappeared from radar. Rescuers worked tirelessly to locate the aircraft, and on Sunday, they discovered the wreckage. Unfortunately, there were no survivors, and as of now, 17 bodies have been recovered from the crash site. Kamchatka is known for its stunning landscapes and active volcanoes, making it a popular destination for tourists. However, the cause of the crash remains uncertain. Helicopter accidents are not uncommon in this remote region of Russia, which is characterized by its sparse population and harsh weather conditions. Just three years ago, another helicopter crash in Kamchatka resulted in the loss of eight lives. The Mi-8T helicopter that went missing was carrying 19 tourists and three crew members. The wreckage was located in a hilly area, as reported by Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov on the messaging platform Telegram. Footage shared by Russia's emergency ministry showed debris scattered near a slope adjacent to a large wooded hill. Officials confirmed that the wreckage was found close to the last known location of the helicopter. Ivan Lemikhov, an official from the emergency ministry, stated that 17 bodies had been recovered, but the search for the remaining missing individuals was temporarily halted. It is scheduled to resume at daybreak on Monday. According to reports from Russia's Interfax news agency, pilot error, possibly due to foggy conditions, is being considered as the primary cause of the crash. Earlier, officials had indicated that thick fog was hindering the rescue efforts. The helicopter was owned by Vityaz-Aero, a company based in Kamchatka that specializes in organizing flights for tourists. The Mi-8 helicopter, which was designed during the Soviet era, continues to be widely used in Russia for various purposes.