Kazakh rescue helicopter makes hard landing near Pavlodar

A Mi-8AMT helicopter operated by Kazakhstan's Kazaviaspas aviation company made a hard landing near Pavlodar while conducting a search-and-rescue mission, authorities and local witnesses said.

The incident occurred on June 24 near the village of Zarya in the Pavlodar Region. The helicopter was carrying 13 people, including five crew members and eight passengers, Tengrinews reports.

Members of the Vita search-and-rescue team who were in the area reported that the helicopter was flying at a low altitude and appeared to be tilted before it made the hard landing.

The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft. Witnesses said the rotor blades shattered, the tail section detached, and the landing gear was damaged.

Fearing a potential fire after the landing, those on board evacuated the helicopter immediately. Volunteers who happened to be nearby assisted the passengers and provided first aid to those injured.

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport said no fatalities were reported in the incident. Information regarding the number and condition of those injured is still being clarified.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident. The circumstances surrounding the hard landing are being examined by the Directorate of Investigation of Transport Incidents under Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport.

The Mi-8AMT is a multipurpose transport helicopter widely used for passenger and cargo transportation, as well as search-and-rescue missions and other specialized operations.

By Vafa Guliyeva