Russia confirms death of 3 citizens in Turkey chopper crash

Three Russians were among five people killed in a helicopter crash in southwestern Turkey on Thursday, Russia’s civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said. “The Kamov Ka-32 helicopter belonged to the Nefteyugansk Air Group. The helicopter flew seven forest firefighting missions in the area through the day,” Rosaviatsia spokesman told RIA Novosti. “According to preliminary investigation, the helicopter hit a mountain slope and rolled down into a ravine,” the official said. “There were three Russian crewmembers and two Turkish officials aboard.” The Turkish newspaper Hurriyet earlier reported the Russian victims were Alexander Gavrilov, Nikolai Atepalikhin and Sergei Khorokhorin. A team of rescue workers is attempting to reach the crash site, Rosaviatsia said.