Rescuers are currently conducting a search operation for a missing helicopter in Russia’s far east. The helicopter, a Mi-8, had 22 individuals on board when it took off near the Vachkazhets volcano in the Kamchatka region. Unfortunately, it did not reach its intended destination as planned, according to a statement released by Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency.
The agency stated that they believe there were 19 passengers and three crew members on board the helicopter. The Mi-8 is a twin-engine helicopter that was originally designed in the 1960s and is commonly used in Russia, as well as in neighboring countries and various other nations. Unfortunately, crashes involving this type of helicopter have been frequent in Russia.