18-08-04 18 döda i helikopterkrash i Sibirien

“After take-off, according to early reports, the Mi-8 carrying passengers knocked into the external cargo of the other helicopter, for reasons unknown. As a result it fell, broke apart and caught fire,” the watchdog said, adding weather conditions were normal.

Russia's emergencies ministry said the MI-8 went down at 10:20 local time (03:20 GMT), about 180km (112 miles) from the town of Igarka, in Krasnoyarsk Territory.

All those on board - three crew members and 15 passengers - were killed.

The helicopter was reportedly taking workers to an oil station. A criminal investigation is under way.