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19 die in helicopter crash in Russia
July 2, 2013, 9:20 am

[AP]

A file photo of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter [AP]

At least 19 people, including children, have been killed in a helicopter crash in Russia’s Siberian republic of Yakutia, according to Russian authorities.

The Mil Mi-8 helicopter was on a routine passenger flight from the village of Deputatsky in Yakutia when it lost contact with air controllers.

Initial reports say the helicopter crashed due to severe turbulence.

The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and three crew members.

Two search-and-rescue helicopters and an An-26 plane with emergency workers and medics were dispatched to the landing site, the regional interior ministry said.

The helicopter crash landed 50 km from its origin point – an airfield near the village of Deputatsky.

Daria Chernyshova with inputs from agencies