DUSHANBE, 13.08.2018 /NIAT «Khovar»/. On August 12, at about 16-30 local time, a MI-8 helicopter with 13 alpinists and three crew members on board made a hard landing in the eastern part of Tajikistan at an altitude of 4,500 meters. At the time of the hard landing, there were 15 alpinists on board — 13 citizens of the Russian Federation, 1 citizen of the Republic of Belarus and 1 Spanish national, as well as three crew members, the press service of the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan /CESCD/ reports.

In order to find out the reasons and all circumstances of the incident, a Government Commission was established from among the leadership of the CESCD, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Committee for National Security, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population and other departments of the country. The search and rescue process is under the personal control of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.

It was made decision to send three helicopters with rescuers and medics to the accident site, which flew to Lakhsh district on August 13. It was established Operational Staff in the CESCD, Dushanbe airport and Lakhsh district.

On August 13, at 11.00 local time, it was established connection with the alpinists, their exact location coordinates were determined. Three helicopters with rescuers and medics flew from the Lakhsh district airfield to the scene to evacuate the victims. Arriving at the scene, it turned out that, unfortunately, as a result of the tragedy, two crew members died — citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan and three alpinists — citizens of the Russian Federation. The remaining 12 alpinists and one crew member who received injuries of varying degrees are provided with medical assistance. They are all evacuated.

According to preliminary data and indications of the air mechanic, the cause of the tragedy was the difficult weather conditions — strong wind and poor visibility.

The Embassies of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus and Spain, as well as the Ministries of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus were informed about the incident and the course of the rescue operations.

An investigation team has been established to investigate the causes and circumstances of this incident.