MOSCOW, August 29 (Itar-Tass) —— Six people were hospitalised after a Mi-8 helicopter hard landing in Arkhyz area in Karachai-Cherkessia, Russia’s constituent republic in the North Caucasus, on Monday, August 29.
“Six people with bodily injuries were taken to health institutions, the others were not injured,” the Investigation Committee told Itar-Tass.
According to there were 13 people aboard the helicopter. The exact number is being ascertained.
According to the Investigation Committee, a private helicopter fell on one side when making a landing on the runway in the vicinity of the settlement of Arkhyz in Karachai-Cherkessia.
“Investigators and criminalists from the Southern Investigation Department for Transport of the Investigation Committee for Karachai-Cherkessia of the Russian Investigation Committee,” the Investigation Committee said.
Those hospitalised include Deputy plenipotentiary representative of the Russian president to the Southern Federal District Maxim Bystrov. Medics describe his condition as “medium gravity”.
Reportedly, one of his hands was broken and he was bruised. “His life is out of danger,” the office of the plenipotentiary representative of the Russian president to the Southern Federal District said.
North Caucasus Resorts Board Chairman Akhmed Bilanov received light injuries and refused to be taken to hospital is now chairing a meeting in Arkhyz.
All five persons injured as a result of the incident were taken to the Zelenchuk central district hospital.
“It was a hard landing. The helicopter was turned over to one side by a strong gust of wind five metres above ground when landing,” the Karachai-Cherkessian Interior Ministry said.
“According to preliminary information, there were 13 people aboard the helicopter. One pilot and four passengers were injured,” the press service of the North Caucasian regional centre of the Emergencies Ministry told Itar-Tass.
It said there was no fire aboard the helicopter.
Two officials from North Caucasus Resorts and the helicopter pilot received light injuries.
The Karachai-Cherkessian Interior Ministry said it was not an accident.
A malfunction is not ruled out. “Eye-witnesses say that the helicopter was going down very quickly and landed hard,” law enforcement agencies said.
The investigation is underway.