18 killed in a helicopter crash near Kiev, including the interior minister of Ukraine

The site of the incident on Wednesday morning. (Photo: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters)

According to officials, a helicopter accident near a kindergarten in the Kyiv region has killed at least 18 persons, including the whole leadership team of Ukraine's interior ministry.

According to Oleksiy Kuleba, chief of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, at least 29 others were hurt in Wednesday's incident in Brovary, a city on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital.

On social media, Anton Geraschenko, a ministry assistant, verified that Interior Minister Denis Monastyrsky, First Deputy Minister Yevheniy Yenin, and Secretary of State Yuriy Lubkovychis were killed in the crash and described those on board as "patriots of Ukraine."

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, chief of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration, stated that the remaining victims were locals "bringing their children to kindergarten."

Together with Tymoshenko, Kuleba told reporters at the site, "there is presently no information on the number of missing youngsters. Identification continues. Parents are coming, and we are compiling lists."

A CNN team in the Kyiv area reported cloudy skies and abysmal visibility.

A CNN producer established that the crashed helicopter was a Eurocopter EC225 "Super Puma" after discovering flight manuals amid the wreckage.

Earlier, Kuleba stated that it landed near a kindergarten and a residential complex.

"At the time of the incident, the kindergarten was occupied by both children and employees. Everyone is currently evacuated," he posted on Telegram.

He stated paramedics, police, and firefighters were responding to the scene.

Publish : 2023-01-18 16:07:00

Give Your Comments