Four killed in helicopter crash in Russia (VIDEO)
At least four people have been killed and three others injured after a Ka-226 helicopter crashed in the Republic of Dagestan in southern Russia, the local health authorities have said.
Initial reports stated that the helicopter was carrying tourists, although TASS later reported it was transporting employees of the local Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant.
The incident happened midday on Friday near the town of Izberbash, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, TASS reported.
Two of the injured were rushed to a burn-care center in regional capital Makhachkala, with another passenger, whose condition was described as critical, being taken to a hospital in Izberbash, a representative of the health ministry told RT.
The helicopter hit a private home and completely destroyed it, TASS reported, citing the emergency services. There was nobody inside the building at the time of the incident, it added.
Footage from the scene captured a plume of thick black smoke coming from the crash site.
The reasons for the incident are currently being investigated.
According to the 122 Telegram channel, the ill-fated helicopter was privately owned and used for air tours.
The Kamov Ka-226 is a small, Russian-made twin-engine utility helicopter, which can carry up to seven passengers or cargo weighing up to 1.3 tons. It entered service in 2002.
