12 Aug 2021 | 03:51 AM UTC
Russia: Search and rescue operations ongoing after tourist helicopter crashes near Lake Kuril, Kamchatka Krai, early Aug. 12
Search operations ongoing after tourist helicopter crashes near Lake Kuril, Kamchatka Krai, Russia, early Aug. 12.
Event
Search operations are ongoing near Lake Kuril, Kamchatka Krai, as of 15:30 Aug. 12 after a helicopter carrying tourists crash-landed earlier the same day. The aircraft was reportedly on a tour operated by Vityaz-Aero that departed Nikolayevka near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Authorities believe the helicopter was carrying 13 tourists and three crew members; emergency crews have rescued at least nine survivors from the crash site. The cause of the accident is not immediately clear, though unconfirmed reports suggest foggy weather conditions in the area. Officials have suspended all tourist flights in the region through Aug. 12.
Search and rescue operations are likely to continue over the coming hours.
Advice
Monitor local media for updates.