11 rushed to hospital after an Mi-8 helicopter crash in Tomsk region

It is the second serious incident involving an Mi-8 this month, following a crash in the Sakha Republic when 24 people died, including ten children. The crash on Sunday in Kargasok district involved a Gazpromavia helicopter which evidently got into trouble moments after taking off.

'15 people were hurt during the crash landing. There were taken to a hospital in the town of Tara, Omsk region,' said a Federal Air Transport Agency official.

'After medical examination, 11 were hospitalised, four others were released.'

Five were said to be in a 'grave' condition. The passengers were has industry workers and there were three crew.

'People have mainly fractures and contusions, including brain contusions, but there is no need in taking them to bigger medical establishments,' said a local emergencies official. Ten firefighters helped save the passengers and crew. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a probe.

'During takeoff, a vibration emerged in the helicopter, it fell on one side and hit the ground,' said a source.

'One pilot and three passengers have got heavy bodily injuries'.