- Aircraft with 22 individuals reported as absent in Kamchatka
In the eastern tip of Kamchatka, famous for its breathtaking volcanic sceneries, a Mi-8 helicopter carrying 19 tourists and three crew members has vanished. Communication with this aircraft was lost, leaving authorities in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski without any updates from the team. The cause of this incident remains uncertain.
The helicopter was supposed to reach the Vachkazhe volcano and failed to appear at the appointed time in Nikolayevka village. The dense fog in the area made it challenging for a search and rescue operation to commence, as per the Russian Emergency Ministry's statement. Local teams were sent out to look for clues in the hazardous surroundings. Helicopter crashes are not rare occurrences in this peninsula.
Inspectorate has started an investigation due to alleged air traffic rule violations. During the summer months, helicopter rides attract numerous tourists in Kamchatka.
Weather in Kamchatka can shift drastically. Various companies offer experiences that include helicopter tours to bear-populated reserves or ledges nearby volcanoes with active hot springs. Known for its high seismic activity and constant volcanic eruptions, Kamchatka is a geological hotspot.
The missing Mi-8 helicopter was believed to be en route to the Vachkazhe volcano, which is a common destination for helicopter tours in Kamchatka. Despite the frequent helicopter crashes in the region, the cause of this specific incident involving the Mi-8 remains under investigation.
