Russian media: 17 bodies recovered from wrecked Mi-8 helicopter

Russian media, citing the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM), reports that all 22 people aboard the Mi-8 helicopter that went missing on Saturday in Kamchatka are presumed dead. So far, rescuers have recovered 17 bodies from the crash site.

The helicopter, operated by Vityaz-Aero, disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano. The aircraft was en route to the village of Nikolaevka when it vanished. Onboard were 22 people, including three crew members and 19 passengers.

The disappearance is believed to have been caused by poor visibility due to adverse weather conditions. The wreckage was found at an altitude of 900 meters, close to the last known location where the crew made contact.

Among the passengers were notable figures, including Arseny Zamyatin, Financial Director of the Russian Football Union, and his wife.

Search and rescue operations were immediately launched, involving a helicopter and seven ground teams, but efforts have been hindered by thick fog and rain caused by a cyclone. Despite these challenges, the search continued through the night.

Based on Russian media, the Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor’s Office have opened investigations into the incident, focusing on potential violations of transport safety and aviation operation regulations.