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Three killed in Russian air crash Ten killed in Russian air crash
(about 20 hours 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 carrying high-ranking officers has crashed in the troubled North Caucasus, killing at least 10 people.
The crash happened near the capital of North Ossetia, Vladikavkaz. It is not yet clear what caused it. Another four were injured in the crash near the provincial capital of North Ossetia, Vladikavkaz. It is not yet clear what caused it.
So far rescuers have found five survivors out of up to 15 people - including several generals - who were on board the Mi-8 helicopter. One of the commanders in the North Caucasus District was among the dead, military officials said.
Reports say it hit a mountain, broke in two and was engulfed in flames. The Mi-8 helicopter came down in thick fog, eyewitness reports say.
The Mi-8 came down on the outskirts of Vladikavkaz at about 1800 (1400 GMT), Russian officials said. It was taking part in military exercises staged in the region.
There are fears that the death toll will rise. Accidents involving Mi-8s - a workhorse helicopter used widely by the military - have become frequent in recent years.
The Mi-8 - a workhorse helicopter used widely by the military - was reportedly taking part in military exercises staged in the region. Experts blame poor maintenance of the ageing Soviet-era craft.
Accidents involving Mi-8s have become frequent in recent years, experts blaming poor maintenance of the ageing Soviet-era craft.