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Three killed in Russian air crash Three killed in Russian air crash
(40 minutes later)
A Russian military helicopter has crashed in the troubled North Caucasus, killing at least three people, Russian news agencies report.A Russian military helicopter has crashed in the troubled North Caucasus, killing at least three people, Russian news agencies report.
Four people were injured in the crash near the capital of North Ossetia, Vladikavkaz. The crash happened near the capital of North Ossetia, Vladikavkaz. It is not yet clear what caused it.
Rescuers found five survivors out of up to 15 people - including several generals - who were reportedly on board the Mi-8 helicopter. So far rescuers have found five survivors out of up to 15 people - including several generals - who were on board the Mi-8 helicopter.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Reports say it hit a mountain, broke in two and was engulfed in flames.
The Mi-8 came down on the outskirts of Vladikavkaz at about 1800 (1400 GMT), Russian officials said.
There are fears that the death toll will rise.
The Mi-8 - a workhorse helicopter used widely by the military - was reportedly taking part in military exercises staged in the region.The Mi-8 - a workhorse helicopter used widely by the military - was reportedly taking part in military exercises staged in the region.
Accidents involving Mi-8s have become frequent in recent years, experts blaming poor maintenance of the ageing Soviet-era craft.