An Mi-8 helicopter that went missing with 22 people on board has been found in Russia’s Far East.
17 bodies were recovered from the crash site, located on the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, according to the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry.
“Seventeen bodies have already been found,” the Russian ministry announced on September 1, 2024, adding that the search would continue the next day.
The Mi-8 helicopter, registered RA-25656, was operated by Vityaz Aero. It vanished from radar while flying in Kamchatka, a region known for its treacherous weather and challenging terrain. Rescue efforts were initially hampered by poor visibility caused by a cyclone that hit the area over the weekend.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, though the adverse weather conditions may have played a role. The Russian Investigative Committee has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident.
