MOSCOW, Oct. 22 (UPI) — At least 19 oil-industry workers died and three others were hospitalized when their helicopter crashed in northwestern Siberia.
Russian official said 22 people were aboard the Mi-8 helicopter that was traveling from Vankor oil and gas field to Staryi Yrengoi in the Yamalo-Nenets region when it crashed. All three crew members and 16 of the 19 workers aboard died. One survivor was able to use a cell phone to call for help.
An early investigation showed weather conditions may have played a role in the crash. A special commission will look into other causes as well.
“The investigation deals with three main versions of the crash of the aircraft: a violation of the rules of operation and flight safety, equipment failure, and adverse weather conditions. None of these is so far regarded as most likely,” the investigation committee said in a statement.
