Helicopter crash in Siberia leaves four dead and 10 injured

The incident involved a Mi-8 helicopter, which caught fire during its landing and brushed against a power line on Thursday, as reported by the local branch of the Russian Emergency Ministry.

An initial statement released shortly after the crash stated that the helicopter was carrying 13 people, with six reported dead and seven injured. However, authorities later revised the numbers, confirming that there were 16 people on board, with four fatalities.

In a fortunate turn of events, two of the six individuals initially feared to be dead managed to escape the crash site and reach a nearby hospital, as per the updated statement.

The Mil Mi-8, a medium twin-turbine helicopter developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in the Soviet Union, is one of the most widely used helicopters globally, with over 17,000 units produced. It has been utilized in various roles, including troop transport, cargo transport, search and rescue, and medical evacuation missions.

Measuring 57 feet in length with a rotor diameter of 65 feet, the Mi-8 is powered by two Klimov TV3-117 turboshaft engines, enabling it to reach a top speed of 180 miles per hour. The helicopter has a capacity of carrying up to 30 passengers or 12,000 pounds of cargo.

Throughout its service history, the Mi-8 has been involved in multiple conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War, the Chechen Wars, and the Syrian Civil War. It has also played a vital role in humanitarian missions, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Renowned for its versatility and reliability, the Mi-8 remains an essential asset in various roles worldwide and is expected to continue its service for many years to come. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, while the incident has sparked concerns about aviation safety in the region. (ILKHA)