Russian Helicopter Crash Kills 18

Eighteen people have died in a Russian helicopter crash in northwestern Siberia, officials say. Russia’s emergencies ministry said the MI-8 went down at 10:20 local time (0320 GMT), about 180 km from the town of Igarka in Krasnoyarsk Territory. All those on board—three crew members and 15 passengers—were killed, reported BBC. The helicopter was reportedly taking workers to an oil station. An investigation is underway. Initial assessments have suggested that the aircraft’s blades struck cargo being carried by another helicopter just after take-off. The Russian Transport Ministry, quoted by AFP, said the second helicopter landed safely and the incident happened in “normal” weather conditions.