Mi-8 Helicopter Crash

Mi-8 Helicopter Crash

A helicopter carrying paratroopers crashed in a gorge in southern Chechnya on Tuesday killing at least three people, officials said.

The Mi-8 helicopter crashed about 15 kilometers south of the mountain village of Tuz-Kharoi, some 2,000 meters above sea level, according to border guards spokesman Viktor Nosatov.

The paratroopers were on their way to replace another group of paratroopers stationed there.

Meanwhile, paratrooper commander Georgy Shpak denied reports that Chechen rebels had recaptured the town of Benoi-Yurt in the Vedeno district, also in the region`s mountainous south.

Residents who fled the region said Monday that rebels held control of a key road running through the area.

AP

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